Dust FAQs

Overview:

• Learn how airborne particles affect worker health, from lung function to skin irritation.

• Discover high-risk industries and the importance of effective dust control measures.

• Understand UK legal exposure limits and the role of PPE in reducing risk.

Dust at work is more than just a nuisance. It is a major concern in terms of occupational safety and worker health. Airborne particles, whether organic or inorganic, can have lasting effects on lung function, cause allergic reactions, and even contribute to premature deaths in extreme cases. It’s often created during routine tasks in industries like construction, mining, and the automotive industry, where levels can reach hazardous concentrations.

This guide examines the types of particulate matter workers are exposed to, associated health risks, and the importance of control measures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

For a full breakdown of how workplace dust forms, the risks it poses, and what employers must do to stay compliant, see our comprehensive guide in the Dust Knowledge Bank topic.

What Is Dust at Work?

Dust at work refers to airborne particles generated during occupational tasks such as cutting, drilling, or handling materials. These small particles can be organic or inorganic and pose health risks when inhaled, swallowed, or contacted.

Effective control methods and the use of personal protective equipment are essential for workplace safety. Dust is a general term for tiny, dry particulate matter suspended in the air. At work, it can be created from hazardous materials such as cement, moulds, and chemicals. Small particles, often invisible to the naked eye, can travel deep into the respiratory system.

Long-term exposure to workplace hazardous materials can result in serious health issues. The risk of exposure increases when control methods are not in place or are inadequate.

How Is Dust Created in the Workplace?

The amount of dust generated in a work environment depends on the type of task being performed. Common workplace activities that create airborne particles include:

• Cutting, drilling, and sanding materials

• Crushing, grading, and stockpiling raw materials

• Filling or emptying bags and containers

• Weighing and transporting loose powders

• Cleaning and handling of processed materials

• Feeding livestock from bags or conveyors

• Operating machinery in the construction industry, mining, or manufacturing

Dust levels can also increase during dry months, such as April, due to lower humidity and greater dispersion.

How Does Dust Affect Health?

Dust exposure affects the body in several harmful ways. The type, concentration, and duration of exposure all contribute to the health outcomes. Here are the main routes of exposure:

1. Breathing in Dust

Airborne particles, particularly respirable contaminants, pose the greatest threat. These fine particles can reach deep into the lungs, damaging tissue and reducing lung function. The most common health effects include:

• Chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma

• Cough and shortness of breath

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

• Grain fever

• Pneumonitis from moulds, fungi, or toxic chemicals

Respirators and other PPE are critical to reduce the risk of inhaling particulate matter.

For a deeper understanding of dust and its health risks, read our Can You Get Sick from Dust Inhalation? article.

2. Swallowing Dust

Dust can be ingested when it becomes trapped in the mucus lining the nose and throat. Swallowed particulate matter may affect the gastrointestinal system and could contain heavy metals or chemicals that enter the bloodstream.

3. Eye Contact

Particles can irritate or damage eyes, especially if they include chemical compositions such as bleach or inorganic matter. Immediate flushing and medical attention may be required.

4. Skin Contact

Chemical dusts and certain materials such as epoxy resins and fibreglass can irritate the skin, leading to dermatitis or ulceration.

What Types of Dust are there at Work?

Different industries present different hazards. Here are some of the most hazardous types:

Asbestos

Found in older buildings, asbestos is highly toxic. Inhalation can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Administration bodies have strict guidelines for asbestos handling.

Flour and Grain

Flour and grain particles are organic dusts that can trigger allergic reactions and occupational asthma. Grain may contain microorganisms, pesticide residues, and fungi.

Silica

Silica is present in cement, bricks, and sand. When disturbed, it produces respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which is linked to silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

For more details on this type of dust, see our Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) guide.

Wood

Hardwood particles are carcinogenic and commonly affect construction workers, especially those in joinery and carpentry. Softwood particles also cause respiratory irritation.

Our Knowledge Bank article explains more about Types of Dust in the Workplace.

What are the Legal Exposure Limits for Dust?

Dust exposure in the UK is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002 Regulations. These laws set the workplace exposure limits as:

• 10 mg/m³ for inhalable dust

• 4 mg/m³ for respirable dust

Substances like flour have specific limits: 10 mg/m³ (long-term), 30 mg/m³ (short-term).

Employers must carry out COSHH risk assessments and implement control measures such as dust collectors, proper ventilation, and the use of personal protective equipment.

What are some Effective Dust Control Methods?

An effective method of controlling dust includes:

• Substitution or elimination of dusty materials

• Enclosure and isolation of dusty processes

• Using extraction systems and air filtration

• Maintaining clean work environments

• Monitoring air quality and dust levels

• Providing PPE like respirators

For best results, combine engineering controls with occupational health surveillance programs.

Check the Knowledge Bank to explore other methods of controlling dust in the workplace.

What symptoms can dust exposure cause?

Symptoms vary but commonly include cough, shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes and skin, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure can lead to irreversible lung damage and diseases.

Which workers are at risk?

Construction workers, mining staff, and those in the automotive industry face the highest risk due to the materials and processes they use. Organic dusts in agriculture also pose significant risks.

How can workplaces monitor dust levels?

Air quality monitors can be used to measure the amount of dust in the air. COSHH assessments and the use of Environmental Protection Agency-approved tools help manage compliance.

What training is available for dust hazards?

We offer a RoSPA-assured Dust Awareness Course that includes modules on dust hazards, control measures, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Where can I find a dust risk assessment template?

You can download our:

• DSE Risk Assessment Form (Manager/Assessor Version)

• DSE Workstation Checklist (Employee Self-Assessment)

These tools provide an effective method to ensure your workplace remains compliant with health administration standards.

Conclusion

Dust at work is a significant issue across multiple industries. Understanding the chemical composition, sources, and health effects is key to improving occupational health outcomes. Through control methods, proper training, and adherence to occupational safety standards, employers can protect their teams and create a safer, cleaner work environment.