Dust nuisance was just an inconvenience for many years during the industrial revolution. The more dust is studied, the greater the dangers are exposed.

Dust is defined by OSHA as tiny solid particles that are suspended in the air by air currents. The Mine and Safety Health Administration defines it as finely divided solids that may become airborne from its original state without any chemical reaction or physical change other than being fractured.

Dust nuisance is generally created by the grinding, impacting, sanding or crushing of a solid particle that causes it to break up. Dust particles are so small that they are measured in micrometers. The size of dust is generally under 10 micrometers. To compare to other known particles for comparison, dust is smaller than the human hair which is between 50 and 75 micrometers and cotton fiber which is 15 to 30 micrometers.

Dust nuisance has been reported from every country around the world where there are unpaved roads, but that is not the only source. In Jamaica there is wide spread concern over dust nuisance from the local bauxite refining plant near Puerto Bueno. There have been reports that the dust is so heavy that it has been described as raining bauxite dust.

A major issue in the United Kingdom, dust nuisance is due to construction and demolition work. Dust from construction sites is nothing new and exists everywhere, but the dust from blasting can be controlled. If there is a complaint from blasting dust, a company can be fined up to 20,000 English pounds. The companies do have the right of appeal and can win if they prove that they used the best practical means to control the dust.

The evidence is overpowering that dust nuisance is a problem for health reasons and the environment. The question is that is it economically more feasible to reduce the dust problem or pay the fines.

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Tags: dust nuisance