As modern industrial production continues to advance, environmental protection is becoming increasingly stringent. Along with the growing emphasis on environmental protection, there’s also a rising concern for the physical and mental well-being of employees. Dust is an unavoidable byproduct of industrial processes, which is why dust-control equipment is receiving ever greater attention. Below, we’ll introduce you to the hazards posed by dust.

　　When dust concentrations exceed critical levels, they can explode upon encountering an open flame. What exactly is dust? And how can it possess such tremendous destructive power? Dust refers to solid particles suspended in the air. According to the International Organization for Standardization, solid particulates with particle sizes smaller than 75 micrometers are defined as dust. This category includes not only common dust but also smoke particles and mineral dust—all of which fall under the umbrella of dust. Although the presence of dust in the atmosphere is one of the key factors maintaining Earth’s temperature, both excessive and insufficient dust levels in the atmosphere can have catastrophic impacts on the environment. In daily life and at work, dust—especially that generated by industrial processes—is a formidable enemy of human health and a major contributor to the onset of various diseases.

　　Long-term inhalation of dust at relatively high concentrations can lead to a systemic disease characterized primarily by diffuse, progressive pulmonary fibrosis. If toxic dusts such as lead, copper, zinc, and manganese are inhaled, they can dissolve in the bronchial walls and be absorbed into the bloodstream, which then carries them to various parts of the body, causing systemic poisoning. Lead poisoning is typically chronic; however, if the poisoned individual develops a fever or consumes certain medications or excessive alcohol, it can trigger an acute episode of poisoning.

　　Inhalation of excessive copper fumes can trigger hemolytic anemia; when zinc is burned, it produces zinc oxide fumes that, upon inhalation, can cause a “metal fume fever” disease resembling malaria. Long-term inhalation of manganese and its oxide dust or fumes can have adverse effects on the central nervous system, respiratory system, and digestive system.

　　Contact with or inhalation of dust first causes local irritation to the skin, cornea, mucous membranes, and other tissues, leading to a series of pathological changes. When dust affects the respiratory tract, it can initially trigger hyperfunction of the nasal mucosa and dilation of capillaries; over time, this may develop into hypertrophic rhinitis. Subsequently, due to inadequate blood supply to the mucosa, atrophic rhinitis may set in. Dust can also induce pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis. Upon contact with the skin, dust may cause acne, folliculitis, and pyoderma. For instance, if lead dust penetrates the skin, small red spots known as "lead rash" may appear. Moreover, exposure to dust containing nickel, chromium, or chromates can increase the risk of lung cancer. Exposure to dust from radioactive minerals is also associated with a higher incidence of lung cancer, while asbestos dust can lead to skin cancer.

　　Some organic dusts, such as scraps of worn cloth, animal hides, and grains, often carry pathogenic microorganisms, including filamentous fungi and actinomycetes. When inhaled into the lungs along with the dust, these pathogens can cause pulmonary mycoses and other respiratory diseases. Meanwhile, pneumoconiosis—a common and highly hazardous occupational disease—results from long-term inhalation of industrial dust.