Different Types of Dust Explained

Introduction

Dust is a word that most people hear and think of in a negative context. You might think of dust as the fine particulate matter that settles on surfaces and covers your furniture or the ground outside.

However, there are many different types of dust with varying levels of danger to your health. When you work with this type of material, it is important to be aware of how it can affect you. The more information you have about each type, the better off you'll be when dealing with any type of dust situation.

Silica Dust

Silica dust is a fine dust that can be produced by cutting or drilling materials that contain silica. Silica can be found in many different industries, including construction, manufacturing and mining.

Silica dust is dangerous because it causes a lung disease called silicosis. It's important to wear a respirator when working with silica-containing materials so you don't breathe in the dust as you work.

Wood Dust

Wood dust can be an irritant to the respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Exposure to wood dust may cause asthma, rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Wood dust exposure has also been associated with skin irritation such as dermatitis or contact dermatitis.

Wood dust exposure has been linked to increased susceptibility to allergies (atopic sensitization) in children exposed at home or daycare centers where they often inhale high levels of airborne particles from sawing and sanding activities.

Stone dust

Stone dust is a type of silica dust that comes from cutting, grinding, and drilling stone. Exposure to stone dust can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and talcosis. Stone dust is also a carcinogen.

The most common form of stone used in construction is limestone, which has varying levels of crystalline silica content. When this material is heated during the manufacturing process it releases harmful particles into the air which have been linked to health problems including lung diseases such as silicosis or mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer). Stone dust’s carcinogenicity has been proven through animal studies; however, there are no long-term human studies available at this time to determine how much exposure may lead to cancer development in humans.

Airborne Dust

Airborne dust is the most common type of dust in the home, and it's also the most dangerous. When airborne, the particles are lifted into the air via movement (such as when you're vacuuming) and can be breathed in by pets or humans. Airborne dust can cause an allergic reaction in some people, which is why it's important to monitor how much exposure your family has to airborne dust particles—especially if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues.

Airborne dust contains more than just contaminants like mold spores; it may also contain allergens such as animal dander, plant pollen, fungal spores, and even feathers! If you have allergies or asthma this type of airborne dirt can trigger an attack because these allergens can be inhaled without being noticed until symptoms start showing up later on down the line.

Dust Buildup

Dust can be created by human activities such as construction work, or manufactured products like paints and coatings. Dust can also come from natural sources like wind-blown soil particles, pollen grains that fall off trees when it rains heavily,

Metalliferous dust

Metalliferous dust is a class of dust that contains metal particles. The most common metals found in metalliferous dust include lead, zinc, copper, and iron. Metalliferous dust can also contain other metals such as arsenic and mercury.
Health risks associated with metalliferous dust include:

• Skin irritation
• Eye irritation
• Respiratory problems (e.g., asthma)

Control measures to minimize the health risks from metalliferous dust include:

• Avoiding areas where metal concentrations are high (for example, mining operations)
• Wearing protective equipment when working near hazardous materials (such as helmets and respirators)
• Use proper ventilation when working with these materials.

Asbestosis Dust

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries because it has excellent fireproofing and heat resistance. The term “asbestosis” refers to a non-cancerous lung disease caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis does not usually cause symptoms until many years after first being exposed to the mineral, which is why it's important for employers to ensure that workers are not exposed to asbestos when working on projects using this material.

If you have worked in an environment where you were likely exposed to asbestos dust or fibers (such as those found in ductwork), your employer must provide workplace medical surveillance exams every three years until 2028. If you suspect that your workplace has resulted in an increased risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma—another type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure—contact us today at 1(888) 879-3860 so we can help get your claim started!

Combustible Dust

Combustible dust is a special type of dust that can explode when dispersed in the air. Dust from many industries can be combustible, such as mining, construction and manufacturing. A major problem with combustible dust is that it can become airborne very easily, which makes it extremely dangerous for workers who are breathing it in.

The best way to deal with combustible dust is by placing a barrier between you and the source of the dust. For example, if you work in an area where there is lots of exposed combustible material on the floor, then you should use protective gear like boots or shoes over your feet so they don't come into contact with any part of that material while walking around.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dust is an important part of many different industries. It can be dangerous if it gets into your lungs or causes respiratory problems, so it’s important to know how different types of dust affect your health and safety. The best way to avoid these problems is through proper training and education on how each type works and reacts with human bodies.