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Occupational dust exposure occurs when small particles are generated at the workplace through the disturbance/agitation of rock/mineral, dry grain, timber, fiber, or other material. When these small particles become suspended in the air, they can pose a risk to the health of those who breath in the contaminated air.
The nearly microscopic toxic particles — generally made up of nitrates, sulfates, ammonia, sodium chloride, mineral dust and black carbon — can get into your lungs and bloodstream, wreaking ...
Mineral dust airway disease is a general term used to describe complications due to inhaled mineral dust causing fibrosis and narrowing of primarily the respiratory bronchioles. [1] It is a part of a group of disorders known as pneumoconioses which is characterized by inhaled mineral dust and the effects on the lungs.
NIOSH has set a recommended exposure level of 1 mg/m3 total dust. The ACGIH has recommended a 0.5 mg/m3 Threshold Limit Value for western red cedar based on its asthma effects. Certain species of hardwood —such as oak , mahogany , beech , walnut , birch , elm , and ash — have been reported to cause nasal cancer in woodworkers.
A common scenario is exposure to moldy grain, hay or woodchips, with farmers and pig workers the most common occupations affected. Those who work with grain, poultry and mushrooms also frequently report symptoms. [1] Wheat harvested has dust blown in the air. Pulmonary reactions occur due to the exposure to grain dust.
Brief or casual exposure to low levels of crystalline silica dust are said to not produce clinically significant lung disease. [45] In less developed countries where work conditions are poor and respiratory equipment is seldom used, the life expectancy is low (e.g. for silver miners in Potosí, Bolivia, is around 40 years due to silicosis).
The term immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) is defined by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as exposure to airborne contaminants that is "likely to cause death or immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects or prevent escape from such an environment." Examples include smoke or other ...
Pneumoconiosis is the general term for a class of interstitial lung disease where inhalation of dust (for example, ash dust, lead particles, pollen grains etc) has caused interstitial fibrosis. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] The three most common types are asbestosis , silicosis , and coal miner's lung . [ 3 ]