Dustiness

Dustiness may be defined as the propensity of a finely divided solid to form an airborne dust (aerosol) from a mechanical or aerodynamic stimulus.[1] Dustiness can be influenced by particle morphology (shape), size, and inter-particle forces. Dustiness increases the risk of inhalation exposure.[2]

Dusty materials tend to generate aerosols with high particle concentrations measured in number or in mass. The tendency of powdered materials to release airborne particles under external energies indicates their dustiness level.[3]

The dusty level of powders directly affects worker exposure scenarios and associated health risks in occupational settings. Powder-based aerosol particles can pose adverse effects when deposited in human respiratory systems via inhalation.[4]

  1. ^ "Quantification of Airborne Dusts from Powders" (PDF). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  2. ^ "General Safe Practices for Working with Engineered Nanomaterials in Research Laboratories". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. May 2012. pp. 5–10. doi:10.26616/NIOSHPUB2012147. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
  3. ^ Evans, Douglas E.; Turkevich, Leonid A.; Roettgers, Cynthia T.; Deye, Gregory J.; Baron, Paul A. (2013-03-01). "Dustiness of Fine and Nanoscale Powders". The Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 57 (2): 261–277. doi:10.1093/annhyg/mes060. ISSN 0003-4878. PMC 3750099. PMID 23065675.
  4. ^ Theodore F. Hatch; Paul Gross; George D. Clayton. Pulmonary Deposition and Retention of Inhaled Aerosols. ISBN 978-1-4832-5671-9.