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Dust generated from [[Mill (grinding)|milling]], handling and storage of grains or fibers can pose a threat to workers' health. During the milling process, solid agricultural grains ([[Maize|corn]], [[barley]], [[wheat]], [[cotton]] etc.) may undergo crushing, grinding, or granulation.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/grainhandling/index.html|title=Safety and Health Topics {{!}} Grain Handling {{!}} Occupational Safety and Health Administration|website=www.osha.gov|language=en-us|access-date=2018-04-18}}</ref> This process generates agricultural dust. Improperly handling grains can also expose workers to grain dusts. Grain storage can also present hazards to workers. Storage structures can create dangerous conditions due to gases emitted from spoiled grains and chemical fumes. "Workers may be exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne contaminants, including molds, chemical fumigants (toxic chemicals), and gases associated with decaying and fermenting silage."<ref name=":1" />
Dust generated from [[Mill (grinding)|milling]], handling and storage of grains or fibers can pose a threat to workers' health. During the milling process, solid agricultural grains ([[Maize|corn]], [[barley]], [[wheat]], [[cotton]] etc.) may undergo crushing, grinding, or granulation.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/grainhandling/index.html|title=Safety and Health Topics {{!}} Grain Handling {{!}} Occupational Safety and Health Administration|website=www.osha.gov|language=en-us|access-date=2018-04-18}}</ref> This process generates agricultural dust. Improperly handling grains can also expose workers to grain dusts. Grain storage can also present hazards to workers. Storage structures can create dangerous conditions due to gases emitted from spoiled grains and chemical fumes. "Workers may be exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne contaminants, including molds, chemical fumigants (toxic chemicals), and gases associated with decaying and fermenting silage."<ref name=":1" />


== Construction ==
=== '''Construction''' ===
Crystalline silica is a typical mineral found in the earth's outside layer. Materials like sand, stone, cement, and mortar that contains Crystalline silica. It is likewise used to make items like glass, stoneware, earthenware production, blocks, and counterfeit stone. Respirable Crystalline silica – exceptionally little particles at any rate multiple times less than conventional sand you may discover on sea shores and jungle gyms – is made when cutting, sawing, granulating, boring, and squashing stone, rock, solid, block, square, and mortar. Exercises, for example, rough impacting with sand; sawing block or cement; sanding or penetrating into solid dividers; granulating mortar; fabricating block, solid squares, stone ledges, or clay items; and cutting or pulverizing stone outcome in laborer openings to respirable translucent silica dust. Modern sand utilized in specific activities, for example, foundry work and water powered cracking (deep oil drilling), is likewise a wellspring of respirable Crystalline silica openness. About 2.3 million individuals in the U.S. are exposed to silica at work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Silica, Crystalline - Overview {{!}} Occupational Safety and Health Administration|url=https://www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline|access-date=2021-04-23|website=www.osha.gov}}</ref>
Crystalline silica is a typical mineral found in the earth's outside layer. Materials like sand, stone, cement, and mortar that contains Crystalline silica. It is likewise used to make items like glass, stoneware, earthenware production, blocks, and counterfeit stone. Respirable Crystalline silica – exceptionally little particles at any rate multiple times less than conventional sand you may discover on sea shores and jungle gyms – is made when cutting, sawing, granulating, boring, and squashing stone, rock, solid, block, square, and mortar. Exercises, for example, rough impacting with sand; sawing block or cement; sanding or penetrating into solid dividers; granulating mortar; fabricating block, solid squares, stone ledges, or clay items; and cutting or pulverizing stone outcome in laborer openings to respirable translucent silica dust. Modern sand utilized in specific activities, for example, foundry work and water powered cracking (deep oil drilling), is likewise a wellspring of respirable Crystalline silica openness. About 2.3 million individuals in the U.S. are exposed to silica at work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Silica, Crystalline - Overview {{!}} Occupational Safety and Health Administration|url=https://www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline|access-date=2021-04-23|website=www.osha.gov}}</ref>


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* Constant obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and
* Constant obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and
* Kidney infection.
* Kidney infection.

=== Steel Industry ===
According to the Worldsteel Association, the steel industry employs more than 6 million people worldwide. China in 2018, reported being the world's largest producer of steel with 928.3 million tons of steel produced.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=World Steel in Figures 2019|url=https://www.worldsteel.org/en/dam/jcr:96d7a585-e6b2-4d63-b943-4cd9ab621a91/World%2520Steel%2520in%2520Figures%25202019.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Steel is a versatile material, the uses range from the automotive industry to the medical industry. Almost every aspect of our lives involves the use of steel in some form. Steel is mostly made of iron, less than 2% of steel is made of carbon and 1% of steel is manganese, there are also small traces of silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, and oxygen found in steel as well.<ref name=":2" />

With more than 6 million people working in the steel industry around the world, these employees have the potential to be exposed to particulate matter from the dust. As the dust from the steel manufacturing of these products are done indoors which can lead to the buildup of dust. An increase of dust levels have have negative health effects on the employees as found in their serum protein levels, respiratory, and airway health.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last=Gliga|first=Anda R.|last2=Taj|first2=Tahir|last3=Wahlberg|first3=Karin|last4=Lundh|first4=Thomas|last5=Assarsson|first5=Eva|last6=Hedmer|first6=Maria|last7=Albin|first7=Maria|last8=Broberg|first8=Karin|date=2020|title=Exposure to Mild Steel Welding and Changes in Serum Proteins With Putative Neurological Function—A Longitudinal Study|url=https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00422|journal=Frontiers in Public Health|volume=8|pages=422|doi=10.3389/fpubh.2020.00422|issn=2296-2565|pmc=PMC7485227|pmid=32984236}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last=Hamzah|first=Nurul Ainun|last2=Mohd Tamrin|first2=Shamsul Bahri|last3=Ismail|first3=Noor Hassim|date=2016-07-02|title=Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/10773525.2016.1207040|journal=International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health|volume=22|issue=3|pages=224–232|doi=10.1080/10773525.2016.1207040|issn=1077-3525|pmc=PMC5102237|pmid=27392157}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last=Chen|first=Pau-Chung|last2=Doyle|first2=Patricia E.|last3=Wang|first3=Jung-Der|date=2006|title=Respirable Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health in Male Taiwanese Steelworkers|url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/indhealth/44/1/44_1_190/_article|journal=Industrial Health|volume=44|issue=1|pages=190–199|doi=10.2486/indhealth.44.190}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite journal|last=Hedmer|first=Maria|last2=Karlsson|first2=Jan-Eric|last3=Andersson|first3=Ulla|last4=Jacobsson|first4=Helene|last5=Nielsen|first5=Jörn|last6=Tinnerberg|first6=Håkan|date=2014-08-01|title=Exposure to respirable dust and manganese and prevalence of airways symptoms, among Swedish mild steel welders in the manufacturing industry|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-013-0896-3|journal=International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health|language=en|volume=87|issue=6|pages=623–634|doi=10.1007/s00420-013-0896-3|issn=1432-1246}}</ref> Welders, for example, are one of the many steel workers exposed to dust or particles from the steel industry. Since steel is composed of manganese, steel workers have been found to be exposed to high levels of particles containing manganese. If manganese is found at high levels of exposure, can be neurotoxic to the individual(s). The buildup of these particles can accumulate in the brain and produce symptoms such as tremors, body rigidness, reduces the sense of smell and impairs motor function as well as balance. Alzheimer's disease has also been found as a result of exposure to high levels of manganese.<ref name=":3" /> It has been found that welders exposed to dust via respiration have had serum level changes which relate to neurologic disease. Although, no link to Alzheimer's in welders has been found. An increase in 5 neurology-related proteins were found (GCSF, EFNA4, CTSS, CLM6, VEC2) in welder's blood. Constant changes in neurology-related proteins could result in an increased risk for future disease.<ref name=":3" />

Long term exposure to dust particles containing metallic compounds have been found to impair pulmonary surfactant and lung function which then results in chronic respiratory diseases.<ref name=":4" /> <ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> There have also been findings of eye irritation from the dust in steel manufacturing.<ref name=":6" /> The following preemptive measures can be taken to reduced ones exposure to dust particulates; increasing the ventilation systems inside the industries, wearing personal protective gear such as eyeglasses and masks as well as, washing hands to prevent other dermal or intestinal exposures.<ref name=":4" />


== Health, Safety, and Epidemiology ==
== Health, Safety, and Epidemiology ==

Revision as of 23:19, 5 December 2021

A video on cleaning dust from workers' clothing

Occupational dust exposure can occur in various settings, including agriculture, forestry, and mining. Dust hazards include those that arise from handling grain[1] and cotton,[2] as well as from mining coal.[3] Wood dust, commonly referred to as "sawdust", is another occupational dust hazard that can pose a risk to workers' health.

Without proper safety precautions, dust exposure can lead to occupational lung diseases.

Occupational Dust

Dust particles are generated by the disturbance/agitation of rock/mineral, dry grain, timber, or fiber material. The particles generated can range in size from 1μm to 100μm, and can "become airborne depending on their origin, physical characteristics and ambient conditions."[4]

Occupational Dust Examples

Types of dust present in the occupational setting include:[4]

  • Rock/mineral dusts
  • Metallic dusts
  • Chemical dusts
  • Grain and produce dusts
  • Molds and spores

Occupations and Dust Hazards

Mining

During various mining processes in which rock/minerals are broken up and collected for processing, mineral dusts are created and become airborne. Inhalation of these dusts can lead to various respiratory illnesses, depending on the dust type (e.g. coal, silica, etc.), size of the dust particulates, and exposure duration.

Forestry

During the stages of wood processing, wood dust is generated. 'Wood dust' is "any wood particle arising from the processing or handling of woods."[5] Sawing, routing, sanding, among other activities, form wood dust, which can then become airborne during the process of dust removal from furniture, maintenance, or equipment cleanup.[6]

Agriculture

Dust generated from milling, handling and storage of grains or fibers can pose a threat to workers' health. During the milling process, solid agricultural grains (corn, barley, wheat, cotton etc.) may undergo crushing, grinding, or granulation.[7] This process generates agricultural dust. Improperly handling grains can also expose workers to grain dusts. Grain storage can also present hazards to workers. Storage structures can create dangerous conditions due to gases emitted from spoiled grains and chemical fumes. "Workers may be exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne contaminants, including molds, chemical fumigants (toxic chemicals), and gases associated with decaying and fermenting silage."[7]

Construction

Crystalline silica is a typical mineral found in the earth's outside layer. Materials like sand, stone, cement, and mortar that contains Crystalline silica. It is likewise used to make items like glass, stoneware, earthenware production, blocks, and counterfeit stone. Respirable Crystalline silica – exceptionally little particles at any rate multiple times less than conventional sand you may discover on sea shores and jungle gyms – is made when cutting, sawing, granulating, boring, and squashing stone, rock, solid, block, square, and mortar. Exercises, for example, rough impacting with sand; sawing block or cement; sanding or penetrating into solid dividers; granulating mortar; fabricating block, solid squares, stone ledges, or clay items; and cutting or pulverizing stone outcome in laborer openings to respirable translucent silica dust. Modern sand utilized in specific activities, for example, foundry work and water powered cracking (deep oil drilling), is likewise a wellspring of respirable Crystalline silica openness. About 2.3 million individuals in the U.S. are exposed to silica at work.[8]

Laborers who breathe in these little translucent silica particles are at expanded danger of creating genuine silica-related infections, not limited to but including:

  • Silicosis, a serious lung sickness that can prompt inability and demise;
  • Lung cancer;
  • Constant obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and
  • Kidney infection.

Steel Industry

According to the Worldsteel Association, the steel industry employs more than 6 million people worldwide. China in 2018, reported being the world's largest producer of steel with 928.3 million tons of steel produced.[9] Steel is a versatile material, the uses range from the automotive industry to the medical industry. Almost every aspect of our lives involves the use of steel in some form. Steel is mostly made of iron, less than 2% of steel is made of carbon and 1% of steel is manganese, there are also small traces of silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, and oxygen found in steel as well.[9]

With more than 6 million people working in the steel industry around the world, these employees have the potential to be exposed to particulate matter from the dust. As the dust from the steel manufacturing of these products are done indoors which can lead to the buildup of dust. An increase of dust levels have have negative health effects on the employees as found in their serum protein levels, respiratory, and airway health.[10][11][12][13] Welders, for example, are one of the many steel workers exposed to dust or particles from the steel industry. Since steel is composed of manganese, steel workers have been found to be exposed to high levels of particles containing manganese. If manganese is found at high levels of exposure, can be neurotoxic to the individual(s). The buildup of these particles can accumulate in the brain and produce symptoms such as tremors, body rigidness, reduces the sense of smell and impairs motor function as well as balance. Alzheimer's disease has also been found as a result of exposure to high levels of manganese.[10] It has been found that welders exposed to dust via respiration have had serum level changes which relate to neurologic disease. Although, no link to Alzheimer's in welders has been found. An increase in 5 neurology-related proteins were found (GCSF, EFNA4, CTSS, CLM6, VEC2) in welder's blood. Constant changes in neurology-related proteins could result in an increased risk for future disease.[10]

Long term exposure to dust particles containing metallic compounds have been found to impair pulmonary surfactant and lung function which then results in chronic respiratory diseases.[11] [12][13] There have also been findings of eye irritation from the dust in steel manufacturing.[13] The following preemptive measures can be taken to reduced ones exposure to dust particulates; increasing the ventilation systems inside the industries, wearing personal protective gear such as eyeglasses and masks as well as, washing hands to prevent other dermal or intestinal exposures.[11]

Health, Safety, and Epidemiology

Exposure to occupational dusts poses many hazards to workers' health and safety. Large, airborne dust particles can obscure vision, limit mobility while on the ground, and interfere with proper machine/equipment functioning.

Characteristics of dust particles such as size and chemical qualities can determine the location and effects of the dust particles on the respiratory system.

Occupational Lung Diseases

Illnesses/Diseases that can develop due to exposure to dust in the workplace.[14][15]

Safety

Workplace facilities have in place safety protocol and regulations to ensure that exposure to dust/particulate matter is minimal to non-existent. Barring the elimination or substitution of the hazard, controls on the engineering and administrative levels act to protect workers from dust hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by workers to prevent specific exposure to the hazard.[16]

To mitigate exposure to dust in the workplace, respirators, ventilators, and eye protection are measures often employed.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Health Hazards of Storing, Handling, and Shipping Grain". U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  2. ^ "Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Cotton Dust". U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  3. ^ "Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust". U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  4. ^ a b "WHO | Hazard prevention and control in the work environment: Airborne dust (WHO, 1999)". WHO. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  5. ^ "CDC - NIOSH 1988 OSHA PEL Project Documentation: List by Chemical Name: WOOD DUST". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-14.
  6. ^ Safety, Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and. "Wood Dust - Health Effects : OSH Answers". www.ccohs.ca. Retrieved 2018-04-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b "Safety and Health Topics | Grain Handling | Occupational Safety and Health Administration". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  8. ^ "Silica, Crystalline - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
  9. ^ a b "World Steel in Figures 2019" (PDF).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ a b c Gliga, Anda R.; Taj, Tahir; Wahlberg, Karin; Lundh, Thomas; Assarsson, Eva; Hedmer, Maria; Albin, Maria; Broberg, Karin (2020). "Exposure to Mild Steel Welding and Changes in Serum Proteins With Putative Neurological Function—A Longitudinal Study". Frontiers in Public Health. 8: 422. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00422. ISSN 2296-2565. PMC 7485227. PMID 32984236.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  11. ^ a b c Hamzah, Nurul Ainun; Mohd Tamrin, Shamsul Bahri; Ismail, Noor Hassim (2016-07-02). "Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship". International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. 22 (3): 224–232. doi:10.1080/10773525.2016.1207040. ISSN 1077-3525. PMC 5102237. PMID 27392157.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  12. ^ a b Chen, Pau-Chung; Doyle, Patricia E.; Wang, Jung-Der (2006). "Respirable Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health in Male Taiwanese Steelworkers". Industrial Health. 44 (1): 190–199. doi:10.2486/indhealth.44.190.
  13. ^ a b c Hedmer, Maria; Karlsson, Jan-Eric; Andersson, Ulla; Jacobsson, Helene; Nielsen, Jörn; Tinnerberg, Håkan (2014-08-01). "Exposure to respirable dust and manganese and prevalence of airways symptoms, among Swedish mild steel welders in the manufacturing industry". International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. 87 (6): 623–634. doi:10.1007/s00420-013-0896-3. ISSN 1432-1246.
  14. ^ "CDC - NORMS - NIOSH". webappa.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  15. ^ "Occupational Lung Diseases" (PDF).
  16. ^ "CDC - Hierarchy of Controls - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-19.
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