What is dust suppression?
Dust suppression is the prevention or reduction of dust dispersion into the air. There are two types of primary dust – organic dust and inorganic dust. Organic dust is that derived from living organisms such as ‘dead’ skin, dust mites, insects or pollen, for example. Inorganic dust is generated in industrial sectors in activities like mining, construction, quarrying and materials handling (and all other sectors where dust is created from manmade activities).
Industries that generate large quantities of dust require different methods of dust suppression. CDC Dust Control – an expert in mining dust suppression and, using advanced dust suppression technology – now manufactures a range of dust suppression units for the broader industry.
Importance of dust suppression to health & productivity
Dust can prove fatal to human beings. On the industrial side of things, where inorganic dust is not only prominent, but extremely hazardous, tailored dust suppression systems are used to control and reduce airborne dust particles. The importance of these solutions cannot be undermined, as several life-threatening lung diseases are the result of continued exposure to certain kinds of dust.
For example, asbestos and silica (quartz) each result in lung fibrosis because of asbestosis and silicosis diseases, respectively. Other potentially fatal diseases acquired from breathing inorganic dust are COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and lung cancer, among others.
In addition to the physical health disadvantages, inorganic dust can also hamper visibility. This has the potential of leading to unnecessary accidents and may also delay production processes. Worker wellbeing and health are an organisation’s top priorities, followed closely by its production processes and end products.
It is therefore imperative that all companies strictly follow all protocols related to dust control and dust management, and that application-ideal dust control solutions be implemented.
