Construction dust is a summary of all types of dust that can arise when working in the construction industry. These are released during the mechanical processing of various materials. This is done by drilling, chiselling, grinding, milling, etc.
Components of the dust mixture differ depending on particle size, shape, biological-toxic and physical properties.
The dusts are divided into three categories:
- inhalable dusts (Particles ≤ 100 µm; visible dusts)
- alveolar dust (Particles ≤ 5 µm; caused by mechanical processing)
- ultrafine dust (Particles ≤ 100 nm; particles contained in welding/polymer fumes, technical soot or diesel engine exhaust)
The majority of construction dust is mineral dust, which is created particularly during the extraction and processing of naturally occurring minerals (e.g. granite, basalt, diabase, limestone). A chronic damaging effect can develop, for example, with fine quartz dust. Fine quartz dust is the alveoli dust fraction made of crystalline silicon dioxide.
Minerals that contain quartz in particular are sandstone, granite, limestone, clay and porcelain.
However, this also means releasing of a not inconsiderable amount of quartz-containing dust during the manufacture of ceramic products, when mining stones and sand. In tunnel construction, in glass industry, metal processing and various trades during construction in buildings (e.g. processing concrete, screed, plaster and fillers).
Long-term exposure to construction dust containing quartz can lead to illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, silicosis or lung cancer.If you follow a few rules, dust pollution can be effectively reduced:
- The source of dust is reduced by using low-dust working methods and machines.
- The use of dusty materials should be reduced.
- Work should be carried out in isolated areas.
- Adequate ventilation of the workrooms through technical ventilation makes sense.
- Sweeping with brooms must be stopped! Sweeping stirs up dust which can float in the air for up to 8 hours until it comes to rest on surfaces.
If mineral dust is combined with other hazardous substances, further extensive protective measures are required.
It is therefore essential to carry out a risk assessment before starting activities.
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