Dust, Industrial

Name:
Dust, Industrial
Detailed information:
Finely divided solid particles that may have damaging effects on personnel by inhalation, or that constitute a fire hazard. They are air suspensions of particles 10 microns or less in diameter, though sizes up to 50 microns may be present. Such dusts include (1) metallic particles of all types, some being more harmful than others; (2) silica, mica, talc, quartz, graphite, clays, calcium carbonate, asbestos; (3) organic materials such as chemicals, pesticides, flour or other cereals, cellulose, coal, etc. The size range of mineral dust most damaging to the lungs is between 0.5 and 2 microns. Silicosis is caused by chronic exposure to uncombined silica (quartz, cristobalite) in mines and quarries. Bag houses, dust collectors, or electrostatic precipitators can be used for dust control.

Hazard:

Dust suspensions in enclosed industrial areas are a serious fire hazard regardless of the chemical nature of the dust; an explosion may be initiated by static sparks or any open flame. Threshold Limit Values (TLV) for industrial dusts are given by the ACGIH.

See Threshold Limit Value; American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.