Metallic & Non-Metallic Dusts
Generally, airborne particles are categorized into three main types:
1. Large particles. Particles greater than 100 microns in diameter are considered large. These particles fall quickly and include such things as hail, snow, room dust, and soot aggregates. Although they can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, large particles are not fine enough to reach the lungs.
2. Medium particles. Particles that lie between 1 and 100 microns in diameter are considered medium-sized. Settling slowly, these particles consist of pollen, large bacteria, coal dust, as well as dust produced during industrial processes, including welding and grinding. These particles pose the greatest health risk because they are able to pass through the nose and throat and penetrate the gas exchange region of the lungs, where they settle.
3. Small particles. Small particles are less than 1 micron in diameter and also pose serious health risks. They can be washed out by water and rain and include viruses, small bacteria, metallurgic fumes and dust, as well as paint pigments
See side tabs for some solutions to your dust problem!