Tiny particles, huge dangers: The hazards of particulate matter

Particulate matter – more commonly referred to as dust – is all around us. When dust is relatively coarse, we can see it in the air and on surfaces, but sometimes dust is so fine that we can’t see it at all. And the smaller the particles, the longer they stay in the air. But why is fine dust so dangerous, and what can you do to protect your company from its dangers?

• What exactly is particulate matter?
• Particulate matter: where it occurs and what damage it can cause
• But why is this relevant to your company?
• And what are the effects of particulate matter pollution on health?
• How does fine dust damage your company?
• What you can do against fine dust pollution in your company

Fine dust is split into two different sizes which (just like coarse dust) are measured in “PM".  PM is just an abbreviation for “particulate matter”. 

PM_2.5
Probably the most common type of dust, PM_2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of less than 0.0025 mm.  

PM₁  Fine dust
Consisting of ultra-fine particles with a diameter of less than 0.001 mm, this dust cannot be seen with the naked eye. PM₁ dust is potentially even more damaging than PM_2.5, as these particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream. 

Respirable dust? What does that mean?
Both these types of dust fall under the umbrella of respirable dust, which is defined as particles small enough to get deep into the lungs when inhaled. They are so small that they are even deposited in the alveoli. 

Particularly at home in industrial areas, PM₁ particles are the pollutants most commonly found in large cities. Fossil fuels such as oil, diesel, gas, or coal are responsible for the release of these particles, because these are often used in power plants and combustion engines and thus end up in our environment and indoor spaces. 

In 2017, scientists conducted a  study using Chinese air measurement stations. There, it was determined how high the proportion of PM₁ fine dust in the PM_2.5 total mass is: 

They found that PM₁ fine dust accounted for almost 80 % of the total amount of fine dust. This is a concern because the study also found a connection between fine dust in the air we breathe and an increase in emergency health treatments – with most health problems being attributable to PM₁. 

"Particulate matter? No problem for our company! We'll just leave the windows and doors shut.” Of course, this would be an ideal solution. However, whether you open your windows and doors, or leave them closed, has little bearing on the fine dust content indoors. 

Because fine dust can arise in different ways. For example, through the use of machines, systems, and vehicles such as forklifts. Here are some indoor sources: 

• Abrasion: When forklifts drive through your buildings, there is natural abrasion from tyres, brakes, and ball bearing wear. Where does the fine dust end up? In your air. 
• Heating: The heating of materials, during welding work or soldering, can lead to the release of smoke and vapours, which we also classify as fine dust. 
• Mechanical processes: Machines and systems that cut, drill, file, or grind materials also contribute (not inconsiderably) to the release of fine dust.
• Daily work: Packing or loading and unloading trucks also releases fine particles that your employees constantly breathe in. 
• Chemical reactions: The use of chemicals, such as in manufacturing or cleaning processes, also release particulate matter into your air. And plenty of it. 

Particulate matter poses a risk in many respects (e.g., for the environment or plant growth), but especially for human health. And the longer you or your employees breathe it in, the worse the effects.   

If fine dust is inhaled regularly, it can lead to:   

• Cardiovascular diseases, 
• Lung cancer,  
• Respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, COPD, and cold symptoms). 

People who already suffer from asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) also tend to feel the negative effects of fine dust more easily. 

Beyond the human impact and the associated health issues, PM₁ can:  

• Increase the risk of health problems for employees and cause staff shortages.  
• Limit the motivation of your employees, which in turn affects job satisfaction, productivity, and leads to high turnover.
• Cause damage to your equipment (such as electronics) by depositing on surfaces, causing corrosion, or even affecting sensors on machines. 

Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent it from getting out of hand – and into your employees’ lungs. 

Zehnder Clean Air Solutions have been proven to dramatically reduce dust particles by up to 90 %, extracting them directly from the air before your workers have a chance to breathe them in.

With air purification systems that are individually adapted to your needs, you can protect the health of your employees and ensure up to 50 % less sick leave.