Dust in the workplace is one of the most significant factors affecting workers’ health. The aim of this article is to take a detailed look at the sources and effects of dust, the legal framework, measurement methods and the preventive measures that can be taken in the workplace to protect workers’ health and safety.
Sources and basic characteristics of dust
Dust is one of the most widespread harmful agents people encounter in everyday life and at work. The range of harmful effects of dust on humans is very wide. Assessing them depends on the origin, properties and size of the dust, its concentration in the air, the duration and conditions of exposure and the individual’s susceptibility to dust.
Dust is a fine solid substance formed when larger particles break down into small fragments. These particles are present in the air and come from various sources, such as soil, volcanic eruptions or pollution. Dust, including dust produced by industrial activities, can create a dusty environment with negative consequences for the environment and human health.
There are different types of dust, and some are more dangerous than others. Frequent exposure to certain types of dust can be linked to serious health problems such as lung cancer or asthma.
Dust is present almost everywhere, and its amount varies from place to place. In homes, 20–50% of dust consists of dead skin cells, while the rest is made up of pollen, human hair, animal fur, dirt, textile fibres, soil minerals, burnt meteorite particles and other materials.
Dust produced by human activity – for example when handling materials, in mining or in construction – can pose a considerable danger. Its risk depends on the nature, composition and size of the particles. Finer dust is usually more dangerous, as it can settle in the lungs for a long time and cause serious health problems.
Disperse systems and types of aerosol
A disperse system of liquid and solid particles suspended in a gas is called an aerosol. Depending on the state of the particles, we speak of a solid or liquid aerosol. Dust is a polydisperse solid aerosol produced by human activity during the mechanical processing of solid materials, such as cutting, grinding and drilling. Size-reduction processes such as milling and crushing also release dust into the air.
Dust particle size
Dust particles range in size from 1 to 100 µm. Particles larger than 30 µm are called coarse dust and settle quickly under normal conditions. Thermal processes such as burning organic substances produce smoke with particles of 0.01 to 0.5 µm. Chemical oxidation processes, such as welding, release fumes with particles of 0.1 to 1 µm.
The effects of dust on the human body
Types of dust by effect
Dust can be classified according to various criteria. The basic division is into toxic and non-toxic dust. Classifying dust by origin gives groups from which its effects on the human body follow. By their effects, dusts can be further divided into:
- Dusts with a predominantly non-specific effect: this type of dust does not have a specific or clearly defined effect on health.
- Dusts with a possible or predominantly fibrogenic effect: they cause excessive fibrous tissue to form in the lungs, which can make breathing more difficult and cause other health problems.
- Dusts with an irritant (or sensitising) effect: this dust can irritate the airways and cause coughing, a sore throat or other respiratory problems. It can also cause sensitivity in some people, who may have allergic reactions or other problems on contact with it.
- Mineral fibrous dusts: this type of dust contains fine fibres from mineral materials such as asbestos. These can be very dangerous because they can settle in the lungs and cause serious problems such as lung cancer or other respiratory diseases.
Health risks
The main and most common route by which dust enters the human body is the airways. Coarse dust particles are retained in the upper airways. Long-term exposure to high dust concentrations can overload the lungs’ self-cleaning mechanisms and reduce a person’s overall resistance. Mechanical irritation of the mucous membranes of the airways, the conjunctiva of the eyes and the skin can cause inflammation. Fibrogenic dusts can cause pulmonary fibrosis, which poses an increased risk of serious respiratory diseases. Carcinogenic dusts can cause cancer when inhaled.
Methods of measuring dust
Measuring dust concentration
The degree of air pollution by dust is expressed as the concentration of aerosol per unit volume of air. Dust is mainly determined using the gravimetric method, in which the mass concentrations found are expressed in mg/m³. For fibrous dusts, the number concentration is used, i.e. the number of fibres per unit volume (f/cm³).
Why measurement matters for safety
Measuring dust concentrations in the workplace is essential for ensuring occupational health and safety. A proper risk analysis makes it possible to identify potential hazards and take the necessary preventive measures. Follow-up checks and repeat measurements help maintain safety standards and minimise the risks associated with dust exposure.
The legal framework
Basic standards and regulations
Based on long-term studies, regulations have been drawn up for measuring and assessing the effects of dust in the working environment. The basic standard is ČSN EN 481 Workplace atmospheres, which defines the conventions for sampling size fractions. Permissible exposure limits (PEL) for different types of dust are set by Czech government regulation.
Work categorisation
Work is classified into different categories based on an assessment of the factors that affect the quality of working conditions, as set out in a decree of the Czech Ministry of Health. Dust is one of the factors that must be monitored in the workplace. Based on dust measurements, the work is then classified into the appropriate category.
Preventive measures
Protective equipment and technical measures
To ensure health and safety at work, various measures need to be introduced to reduce dust exposure. These include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators and protective masks. It is also important to provide regular OHS training for all employees so that they are informed about the risks associated with dust and about health protection techniques. Technical measures include installing ventilation and extraction systems that reduce the concentration of dust in the workplace air.
Organisational measures
Several types of organisational measures can be used:
- Setting clear work procedures: specific tasks that can generate dust should be carried out in isolated or well-ventilated areas.
- Regular employee training: health and safety training should include information on the correct use of protective equipment and procedures for reducing dust exposure.
- Planning maintenance and cleaning: regular cleaning and maintenance of equipment and premises help reduce the generation and accumulation of dust in the workplace.
Inspections and checks
To keep the workplace safe, it is essential to carry out regular inspections and checks of all the measures introduced. Regular risk analysis helps identify new potential hazards, and subsequent measurements of dust concentrations confirm the effectiveness of the measures applied.
Measuring dust in the workplace is a key factor in ensuring occupational health and safety. Correctly identifying risks and then applying preventive measures can significantly reduce the harmful effects of dust on workers’ health. Complying with legal standards and regular health and safety training, as well as carrying out regular inspections and measurements, are essential steps for maintaining a safe working environment.
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