Exposure to industrial dust and particles poses a very high risk for workers in areas where this exposure is continuous and long-term. The inhalation of industrial dust can lead to lung cancer and it is essential to protect oneself with appropriate respiratory protective devices depending on the pollutants to which one is exposed.
Exposure to particles: Which workers are at risk?
The respiratory system is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body, which is why it can be damaged by exposure to fine particles. In the past, failure to implement means apt at preventing the inhalation of dust and fibres, such as respiratory protective devices, led to the death of many workers but, nowadays, appropriate preventive strategies are available. Here under are some of the high-risk jobs and the techniques to be adopted in order to prevent respiratory diseases.
Exposure to industrial dust and particles poses a very high risk for workers in areas where this exposure is continuous and long-term. Inhaled dust and particles can cause respiratory diseases of various degrees and also lead to lung cancer – it is therefore essential to protect oneself with suitable respiratory protective devices depending on the type of pollutant to which one is exposed.
The most dangerous types of dust are usually those of small size, invisible to the naked eye. These dusts are very easy to inhale in large quantities and, as it is practically impossible for the lungs to expel them, they remain trapped in the sponge-like lung tissues and damage the respiratory system. However, larger dust particles may also cause respiratory damage, for example, asbestos which is made up of rather thick fibres.
Before looking at how workers can protect themselves, let’s take a look at which type of workers actually need to use respiratory protective devices. One of the workplaces most at risk for dust exposure is undoubtedly the woodworking environment where respiratory problems can arise both during the transformation of the raw material and during the wood painting process as well as during the use of various chemical reagents. When processed, all wood produces harmful dust, and the processing of hardwood is particularly hazardous because exposure to large quantities of this type of wood dust leads to lung cancer. Woodcutters, carpenters, furniture makers and coopers are the workers that, more than others, should pay particular attention to protecting their respiratory system against this type of dust.
In addition to wood working, however, many other work activities generate harmful dust and workers need to be aware of the dangers. Among these are the workers involved with mineral dust, such as cement or derivatives of rock processing, those working with fibrous dust such as fibre glass, metal, lead, mercury and/or chromium grinders – the particles generated during the processing of these substances can be inhaled, enter the bloodstream and spread rapidly throughout the body – those working with organic particles or those contaminated with biological agents, such as mould, which gets released during straw and hay handling.
Among the different types of particles which irritate the respiratory system are those deriving from the processing of tobacco and bituminous substances. Moreover, dust hazards may also be found in the food industry, particularly those sectors which process sugar, flours and grains. The above are just a few of the areas in which it is essential to consider the use of respiratory protective devices.
Current regulatory standards, specify that workers who perform jobs that involves direct contact with dust (exposed workers) and those who, while not working in dusty environments are exposed to dust occasionally (potentially exposed workers) are to be provided with respiratory protective.
The use of respiratory protective devices against exposure to occupational dust
Preventing the health risks associated with processing in environments where potentially harmful particles are generated is possible. To do this, different types of respirators are available on the market to be used depending on the type of work to be done and the type of dust exposure. It is essential, however, that certified equipment which has been properly maintained as prescribed by regulations be used. In fact, current legislation specifies that only certified equipment can be used at the workplace, and if non-certified equipment is used, not only is this a non-compliance of the standards but also ineffective as this non-compliant equipment might not provide the type of protection required.
Respiratory protective devices such as particle face masks should be equipped with exhalation valves for the elimination of exhaled air and any excess air and, since they usually need to be worn for long shifts. it is important that they be lightweight and fit comfortably on the face.
There are various types of professional face masks equipped with particle filters which offer different levels of protection:
- select appropriate level of protection depending on the job to be performed and the associated risks;
- adhere to the specific regulations when selecting face masks;
- in general, it is important to know that there are various types of face masks made of different materials, available;
- disposable masks and/or multipurpose masks also are available. The latter need to be maintained, kept clean and sanitized.
Kasco srl manufactures different types of respiratory protective devices including particle face masks  recommended for use when working in environments containing particles which could seriously damage the health of workers.
May 7 2018
Why use professional particle face masks?
Exposure to particles: Which workers are at risk?
The respiratory system is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body, which is why it can be damaged by exposure to fine particles. In the past, failure to implement means apt at preventing the inhalation of dust and fibres, such as respiratory protective devices, led to the death of many workers but, nowadays, appropriate preventive strategies are available. Here under are some of the high-risk jobs and the techniques to be adopted in order to prevent respiratory diseases.
Exposure to industrial dust and particles poses a very high risk for workers in areas where this exposure is continuous and long-term. Inhaled dust and particles can cause respiratory diseases of various degrees and also lead to lung cancer – it is therefore essential to protect oneself with suitable respiratory protective devices depending on the type of pollutant to which one is exposed.
The most dangerous types of dust are usually those of small size, invisible to the naked eye. These dusts are very easy to inhale in large quantities and, as it is practically impossible for the lungs to expel them, they remain trapped in the sponge-like lung tissues and damage the respiratory system. However, larger dust particles may also cause respiratory damage, for example, asbestos which is made up of rather thick fibres.
Before looking at how workers can protect themselves, let’s take a look at which type of workers actually need to use respiratory protective devices. One of the workplaces most at risk for dust exposure is undoubtedly the woodworking environment where respiratory problems can arise both during the transformation of the raw material and during the wood painting process as well as during the use of various chemical reagents. When processed, all wood produces harmful dust, and the processing of hardwood is particularly hazardous because exposure to large quantities of this type of wood dust leads to lung cancer. Woodcutters, carpenters, furniture makers and coopers are the workers that, more than others, should pay particular attention to protecting their respiratory system against this type of dust.
In addition to wood working, however, many other work activities generate harmful dust and workers need to be aware of the dangers. Among these are the workers involved with mineral dust, such as cement or derivatives of rock processing, those working with fibrous dust such as fibre glass, metal, lead, mercury and/or chromium grinders – the particles generated during the processing of these substances can be inhaled, enter the bloodstream and spread rapidly throughout the body – those working with organic particles or those contaminated with biological agents, such as mould, which gets released during straw and hay handling.
Among the different types of particles which irritate the respiratory system are those deriving from the processing of tobacco and bituminous substances. Moreover, dust hazards may also be found in the food industry, particularly those sectors which process sugar, flours and grains. The above are just a few of the areas in which it is essential to consider the use of respiratory protective devices.
Current regulatory standards, specify that workers who perform jobs that involves direct contact with dust (exposed workers) and those who, while not working in dusty environments are exposed to dust occasionally (potentially exposed workers) are to be provided with respiratory protective.
The use of respiratory protective devices against exposure to occupational dust
Preventing the health risks associated with processing in environments where potentially harmful particles are generated is possible. To do this, different types of respirators are available on the market to be used depending on the type of work to be done and the type of dust exposure. It is essential, however, that certified equipment which has been properly maintained as prescribed by regulations be used. In fact, current legislation specifies that only certified equipment can be used at the workplace, and if non-certified equipment is used, not only is this a non-compliance of the standards but also ineffective as this non-compliant equipment might not provide the type of protection required.
Respiratory protective devices such as particle face masks should be equipped with exhalation valves for the elimination of exhaled air and any excess air and, since they usually need to be worn for long shifts. it is important that they be lightweight and fit comfortably on the face.
There are various types of professional face masks equipped with particle filters which offer different levels of protection:
Kasco srl manufactures different types of respiratory protective devices including particle face masks  recommended for use when working in environments containing particles which could seriously damage the health of workers.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •