What are the hazards of dust?
16/04/2025
Dust hazards vary depending on the working environment, with each industry and job role presenting different risks to health and safety. For example, sawing and cutting wood exposes workers to wood dust, while food processing roles may involve exposure to flour dust.
All types of dust can pose a hazard, with effects ranging from short-term irritation to long-term health concerns. These may include throat irritation, respiratory problems, and, in severe cases, long-term damage to the lungs. Some dust types are more hazardous than others, depending on their composition and how easily they are inhaled. While there are many types of dust, the three most widespread and heavily regulated are:
-
Silica
Where?
Common in construction, especially when cutting, drilling or grinding concrete.Risk
Silicosis, lung cancer, COPD - very harmful even at low exposure levels. -
Wood Dust
Where?
Found in woodworking, carpentry, and furniture production environments.Risk
Nasal cancer, asthma, dermatitis. -
Flour/Grain Dust
Where?
Common in bakeries, flour mills, and food manufacturing plants.Risk
Respiratory irritation, asthma, allergic reactions.
Health Effects of Dust Exposure and Affected Industries
Understanding the real-world impact of dust exposure requires a closer look at both the health effects it can cause and the industries where exposure levels are highest. The table below summarises key findings on the most common health effects associated with workplace dust exposure, along with their reported prevalence.
| Health Effect | Description | Estimated Prevalence in Exposed Workers (%) | Risk Level | Commonly Affected Industries | Common Dust Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Irritation | Coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation due to fine dust particles | 60 | High | Construction, Manufacturing, Agriculture | Silica, wood, grain dust |
| Chronic Bronchitis | Long-term inflammation of bronchial tubes | 25 | Moderate | Mining, Construction, Ceramics | Silica, coal, mineral dust |
| Asthma (Work-Related) | New or worsened asthma triggered by dust exposure | 20 | Moderate | Woodworking, Food Production, Textile Industry | Wood dust, flour dust, cotton dust |
| Silicosis | Lung fibrosis caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust | 10 | Moderate | Stonecutting, Construction, Mining | Crystalline silica |
| Pneumoconiosis | Lung disease from long-term inhalation of mineral dust | 8 | Moderate | Mining, Quarrying, Foundries | Coal, silica, metallic dust |
| Contact Dermatitis | Inflammation caused by skin contact with irritant or allergenic dust particles | 12 | Low | Textiles, Construction, Recycling | Synthetic fibres, cement dust, mixed debris |
| Allergic Reactions | Immune system response to organic or chemical dusts | 15 | Low | Agriculture, Food Production, Woodworking | Grain, flour, wood dust |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | Progressive lung disease that can be caused or worsened by long-term occupational dust exposure | 18 | Moderate | Construction, Ceramics, Recycling | Silica, metal dust, chemical dust |
Dust Explosion Incidents
Despite advancements in safety protocols and stricter regulations, dust explosions continue to pose significant hazards across various industries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that in 2022/23, over 1,000 woodworking inspections revealed that 78% of businesses failed to adequately protect workers from hazardous dust exposure, leading to 402 enforcement actions
Common ignition sources for dust explosions include static electricity, friction, and hot surfaces.
While regulatory measures have contributed to a gradual decline in incidents, the risk remains. These events underscore the importance of continuous vigilance, proper housekeeping, and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate the dangers of combustible dust in industrial settings.
Dust in the Workplace: Key Regulations and Compliance Requirements
Due to the serious risks associated with working in dusty environments, strict legal requirements are in place to help prevent such events. Various international bodies provide legislation and guidance; here, we focus on regulations in the United Kingdom.
There are six main regulations in the UK that address dust exposure and its risks. Key among these are:
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
- The most relevant regulation for dust exposure.
- Requires employers to assess, control, and monitor hazardous dust.
- Enforces the use of ventilation, extraction systems, and PPE.
Read more about COSHH Regulations
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Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) - HSE Guidance (EH40/2005)
- Sets maximum legal limits for exposure to harmful dust types (e.g., silica, wood dust).
- Helps businesses determine if control measures are sufficient.
Read more about EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits
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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- The overarching UK law that makes employers responsible for worker safety.
- Requires businesses to provide safe working conditions, including protection from dust.
Read more about Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
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Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002
- Essential for industries dealing with combustible dust (e.g., mills, woodworking).
- Focuses on preventing dust-related fires and explosions.
Read more about The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
The 5 Major Categories of Control Measures
- Hierarchy of Controls for Dust Exposure -
Being able to eliminate exposure is the best way, but working in environments where dust exposure is present, that's not possible but the 5 steps of dust hierarchy points in the right direction of what is impactful but also actionable.
To manage occupational dust risks effectively, employers should apply the Hierarchy of Controls, which ranks control methods from most to least effective:
Controls
Dust Control Measures That Can Be Taken To Reduce Risk
Reducing dust exposure is not only good practice-it is a legal requirement for employers. Companies should carry out air quality testing, conduct thorough risk assessments, and implement procedures to minimise exposure.
Employees, in turn, should follow workplace guidance and take responsibility for their own safety. Completing a Dust Awareness Training course can also help reinforce good habits and awareness.
| Responsibility | Businesses | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Control Systems | Install ventilation, dust extraction, and suppression systems. | Follow workplace procedures to minimise dust exposure. |
| Monitoring & Testing | Conduct regular air quality checks and risk assessments. | Report any excessive dust build-up or unsafe conditions. |
| Training & Awareness | Provide dust safety training for employees. | Attend training sessions and stay informed about risks. |
| Protective Equipment | Supply appropriate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). | Ensure RPE/PPE is worn correctly and properly maintained. |
| Workplace Maintenance | Implement strict housekeeping to minimise dust accumulation. | Keep work areas clean and avoid dry sweeping (use wet cleaning methods). |
| Regulatory Compliance | Ensure workplace safety standards align with health and safety regulations. | Adhere to safety protocols and report any non-compliance. |
