There are a number of airborne particles that can find their way into the human body. While the body can comfortably remove some airborne particles, others can have devastating long term health implications. All respirated dusts must be considered harmful in some degree. Even where there may be only slight danger to the lungs, there is very likely some adverse effect on the respiratory system, particularly to asthmatics or allergy sufferers.
Dust particles of size ranging from 0.001 to 0.1mm (1-100 microns) pose a threat to health when they are airborne, reducing visibility, creating an uncomfortable environment (irritation of eyes, ears, nose, throat, skin) and possibly resulting in damage to the tissue of the lungs.
There are four factors which determine the degree of danger associated with any given airborne particle:
- The type of particle involved (and its natural biological effect on the human body)
- The concentration of airborne particles in the working environment
- The size of particles present in the working environment
- The duration of the individual’s exposure to the particular particle
Biological effects of airborne particles
Different particles can cause a wide variety of different biological theatres, including:
- Lead/manganese/cadmium/zinc – systemic toxic effects caused by the absorption of the toxic material into the blood
- Flour/grains/some woods and inorganic chemicals – allergic and hypersensitivity reactions caused by the inhalation of dusts
- Viable organisms and/or spores – bacterial and fungal infections associated with the inhalation of dusts
- Asbestos/quartz – fibrogenic reactions in the gas exchange regions of the lung due
- Chromates and asbestos – carcinogenic response (can lead to cancer)
- Acid, alkali/irritating particles – irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat
Removing airborn particles from your working environment
With so many risks associated to a wide range of everyday materials, it is essential that you do your best to remove as many airborn particles as possible from your working environment.
It is advisable that you constantly monitor the atmosphere and air conditions in your working environment. If possible fit dust extraction fans to your business property, and ensure that health and safety protocols are constantly observed by all employees.
An industrial sweeper from Multicomp can help remove all kinds of airborne particles from your working environment. The TRS technology in all our sweepers helps to ensure that dust particles that would be left behind by traditional sweepers are removed from the working atmosphere.
