What are dusts and fibres?
Dusts and fibres are airborne particles generated during a wide range of work processes. Many are not visible to the naked eye but can still pose severe health risks if inhaled or ingested.
Dusts are small solid particles produced by cutting, grinding, sanding, or crushing materials like wood, stone, or metal. These particles can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled by workers. Dusts may also contain hazardous materials for which a workplace exposure standard exists. One of the most common dusts encountered on mine sites, in construction, and in some manufacturing workplaces is quartz (crystalline silica), a mineral found in many ore bodies, sand, concrete, bricks and engineered stone. Excessive exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, a serious and potentially fatal respiratory condition. Welding and abrasive blasting can also generate toxic dust and fumes.
Fibres are elongated, thread-like particles, such as asbestos or synthetic mineral fibres, that can become airborne and pose inhalation hazards. Several varieties of asbestiform minerals may be encountered during exploration activities for iron ore, base metals, and gold, as well as subsequent mining. During construction work, risks associated with asbestos in the built environment and with hazardous chemicals, such as lead in old paint, may pose hazards.
When a person breathes, inhalable particles suspended in the air enter their body. Most large particles are stopped in the nose, but smaller respirable particles reach the lungs.
Health effects of dust and fibre exposure
Exposure to hazardous dusts and fibres can have immediate and long-term health consequences. Health risks depend on the type of dust or fibre, the duration and intensity of exposure, and individual susceptibility.
- Short-term effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; coughing; sneezing; and shortness of breath.
- Long-term effects: Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), silicosis, asbestosis, and increased risk of lung cancer. Some dusts, like wood dust and asbestos, are known carcinogens.
Symptoms may develop slowly, sometimes appearing years after exposure. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible health damage.