Characterizing and Controlling Industrial Dust: A Case Study in Small Particle Measurement

Abstract

Instrumentation used to measure characteristics of fine particles entrained in gas or suspended in aerosols provides information needed to develop valid regulations for emission sources and to support the design of control technologies. This case study offers a brief history of "micromeritics," a term used by early researchers to describe the science of small particles, and the related invention of laboratory instruments for characterizing very fine particles. The historical view provides insights into the role that Progressive Era government agencies played in advancing esoteric science and applying this knowledge to the regulation of workplace air pollution. Micromeritics instrumentation developed in conjunction with federal research now has many commercial applications worldwide, with characterizing airborne pollutants only a minor one. However, the continuing advances in the micromeritics field provide important laboratory measurement capabilities to environmental research organizations, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Dust-particle migration around flotation tailings ponds: pine needles as passive samplers

“…Larger particles were probably washed down in rain. Almost 80% of the particles represent respirable dust capable of penetrating the gas-exchange regions of the lungs (Combes and Warren 2005).…”

Monitoring of cotton dust and health risk assessment in small-scale weaving industry

“…Negligence of international safety and health standards for workers in the textile industry is causing the proliferation of various particulate matters which are ultimately deteriorating the health of workers. Properties of particulate matter deemed to be significant to health effects included particle size, size distribution, density, and surface characteristics such as porosity (Combes and Warren 2005). Several industries in developing countries are still avoiding ISO certification, and it seems that they are not willing to adopt safety and quality measures as suggested by the Quality Assurance Organizations.…”

“…Several industries in developing countries are still avoiding ISO certification, and it seems that they are not willing to adopt safety and quality measures as suggested by the Quality Assurance Organizations. The purchase of low-cost or repaired machinery, lack of waste management plans, and longer duty hours threaten the health of workers at different textile industries, especially due to contamination of the air with cotton dust (Combes and Warren 2005). The workers spend maximum time at their workplace during duty hours and are exposed to indoor dirty/noisy climate prevailing in the workplace (Hoppe and Martinac 1998).…”