The Dangers Of Dust

The Hidden Hazards of Dust Inhalation.

Addressing common hazards around the home, office or industrial environment always present a challenge. Most of the emphasis is placed upon known risks such as electrical connections, toxic chemicals and working at heights. However, one of the most profound concerns involves the dangers of dust. It is often said that what we cannot see can produce the most serious of threats. This statement is certainly true in regards to the presence of particulate matter. In order to fully appreciate this threat, let us examine the negative effects of dust before observing the ways in which this substance can be effectively controlled.

The Dangers of Dust: Much More than Meets the Eye

One of the first concepts to address is the fact that dust often remains undetected within an environment. Attention tends to be placed on dangers that we can see, smell or touch. This is a great concern, for smaller particles actually pose a much greater threat when compared to those of larger sizes. In fact, many of the particles which are inhaled have a diameter of less than five micrometers. The reason why these sizes pose so much of a danger is that they can easily be absorbed into our bodies through our lungs (and in some cases, via the skin). Some of the most common results of this situation include (1):

• Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
• Coughing and sneezing.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Asthma attacks for those who are already susceptible.

These are all serious concerns and yet, it is often the type and size of the particulate matter itself that will determine the impacts that dust will have upon the human body.

Controlling Potentially Harmful Substances

There are many times when certain actions will cause dust to enter into the air. Removing old floor tiles, stripping insulation from pipes, demolishing a plaster wall and stripping paint through the use of an electrical sander are a handful of common situations. The real danger here is that there may be chemicals within these existing compounds which can cause serious health effects over time. Specific types of plaster may contain silica; a substance known to irritate and damage tissues within the lungs. Old paint might be laced with lead; a very well-known safety hazard. There have been many instances when tiles and insulation were found to contain asbestos. All of these situations can eventually lead to potentially life-threatening illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even some types of cancer. As you can see, the dangers of dust must not be underestimated. So, how can these risks be mitigated through the use of cutting-edge dust removal products?

The Right Tool for the Right Job

In terms of modern dust removal, there is no such concept as “one size fits all”. On the contrary, there are very specific pieces of machinery intended to be used for targeted purposes. One example can be seen in the DF Smart Mist Cannon. This device will emit a fine mist into the air. The mist latches onto any ambient dust particles and causes them to fall to the ground (and to clump together). The unit is lightweight, portable and its angle can be adjusted depending upon the environment in question.

The DC Tromb 400 is often an excellent idea within work environments, as it is able to filter as many as 400 cubic metres of air per hour. Floor grinders and industrial sanders can be used in conjunction with this device. Three different collection accessories are offered and the unit can easily be transported from place to place.

The Dustcontrol Air Cube is suited for even the most challenging of tasks, as it is able to filter up to 1,800 cubic metres of air every hour. However, it is still easy to manipulate and it will accommodate most commercial and industrial requirements.

Eliminating Danger One Particle at a Time

The dangers of dust should never be taken lightly. It is only through a proactive and informed approach that the situations mentioned above will be eliminated. Those who are looking for viable and targeted solutions are encouraged to browse through the line of products offered by Smith’s Hire at their convenience.

Sources:

1. http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Health-effects-of-dust