Dust Control Solutions

Finding the best dust control solutions comes down to how much you care about a clean environment. Because dust exists as small particles that are hard for even the common person to see, it can be easily overlooked. Many times it's easy to just forget about dust, while at the same time forgetting about the damage that it causes. Any type of electronic equipment or exposed wiring can get worn down over time if it is not protected from dust. Many times when machinery doesn't work the reason has to do with improper maintenance, which includes allowing it to be exposed to dust, which is a form of air pollution.

So where does dust originate? A lot of it is simply the Earth's soil minerals that are blown around by wind. These small particles contain a lot or microscopic cells that come from animals hair, pollen, textiles and human skin. One of the noticeable consequences of excessive exposure to dust in humans is hay fever. Dust mites are another problem. These small creatures populate in warm dark places in and around bed mattresses, carpet and furniture. People breathe in the waste of these creatures, which are harmful to cells in the human body. They can be most dangerous to children who are in the process of developing their respiratory organs.

 Indoor dust can be managed with a system of air filters and dust collectors. In most cases involving indoor industrial workplaces, filters must be periodically inspected and replaced to meet clean air standards. There are many sizes and types of filters that can be categorized by their capacity to effectively operate at certain temperatures. Polyesterfilters, for example, can operate at 300 degrees Farenheit. The best air filters, regardless of the materials they are made from, are fire retardant.

The function of an air filter is to screen out particles of mold, bacteria and dirt and block them with a strong fibre that keeps them from floating in the air. Similar to how air filters in cars collect debris, air filters used to reduce air pollution are designed to capture the most harmful particles in the environment. Effective materials for capturing these particles are foam, cotton, fibreglass and even paper. A material that contains static electricity, such as an ioniser, can also be useful in collecting dust and other floating debris. Foam is practical for collecting high levels of dust and dirt while cotton works well for blocking thinner dust clouds.

In the United States air standards are enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. They require industrial businesses to control dust so that workers do not suffer from respiratory illnesses. Small particles with diameters under 500 micrometers are considered dust. The amount of dust in the air can be measured with a laser particle counter. Dust control solutions can be accomplished in several ways. A process known as "dust abatement" involves the use of an oil or a water spray to inhibit dust from spreading. Another effect process for eliminating dust is with a vacuum device.