Many activities and their working environments in industry and manufacturing pose a health risk due to toxic and non-toxic dusts in the air we breathe. Such fine dust particles are tiny particles that float in the air and are produced during a wide variety of mechanical or thermal processes and can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger infection symptoms.
These particles can contain various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, paint and other substances that are created during industrial and manual production:
Metalworking: Metalworking operations such as grinding, cutting, welding generate particulate matter from metal particles.
Wood processing: Sanding, sawing and planing of wood produce very fine wood dust.
Chemical industry: Various chemical processes, especially those that produce powders or particles, can release particulate matter.
Vehicle maintenance and repair: Sanding car bodies, working on brakes or engines can generate particulate matter from metal and other materials.
Print shops: Printing productions can generate toner dust or particulate matter from paper particles.
Construction and demolition work: Demolition and construction work can release dust from concrete, bricks, plaster, etc.
Painting and coating processes: Spray painting and other coating processes can release volatile organic compounds that can lead to particulate matter.
Chimneys and flues: Combustion processes in industrial plants, heating systems or ovens can release particles into the air.
Effects on health
These particulate matter particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and have potentially serious health effects for workers:
Health risks: inhaling particulate matter can lead to respiratory problems, such as coughing, shortness of breath, bronchitis and, in the long term, even chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Particulate matter particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger infection symptoms.
Cardiovascular effects: There is increasing evidence that particulate matter not only affects the respiratory tract, but can also damage the cardiovascular system. There is an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems with long-term exposure to particulate matter.
Carcinogenic potential: Some forms of particulate matter, particularly those produced during welding and grinding operations, may contain carcinogenic substances such as metals or asbestos fibres. Long-term exposure to these substances can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Which protective measures can be taken against it?
In many countries and regions, employers are legally obliged to protect their employees from hazards in the workplace. If high concentrations of particulate matter occur in a working environment, appropriate protective measures must be taken to protect the health of workers:
Extraction and ventilation: efficient extraction systems and good ventilation in work areas can help to reduce the concentration of particulate matter in the air.
Use of technology: Modern technologies such as low-dust tools that produce less particulate matter can reduce exposure.
Workplace hygiene: Regular cleaning of work areas and tools to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter.
Training and awareness: : Training employees on the potential hazards of particulate matter and the correct protective measures is crucial.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing goggles, gloves and other personal protective equipment to minimise direct contact with particulate matter.
Respiratory protection: Wearing appropriate respirators suitable for the type of particulate matter generated can reduce exposure to harmful particles.
Why are FFP3 masks against fine dust so important?
FFP masks are respiratory protection masks and prevent dangerous particles from being inhaled and leading to long-term and serious illnesses. FFP masks are divided into three protection classes: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.
Masks with protection class FFP1 protect the wearer from non-toxic dusts. Although inhaling these dusts does not lead to the development of serious illnesses, they do irritate the respiratory tract.
Masks with protection class FFP2 protect the wearer from harmful dusts, smoke and aerosols in solid and liquid form, which can irritate the respiratory tract in the short term and weaken the lung tissue in the long term.
Masks with protection class FFP3 protect the wearer from toxic and harmful dusts, smoke and aerosols. These include, for example, radioactive pollutants and viruses.
It is important that FFP masks are put on and worn correctly to ensure optimum protection.
Employees should be trained in the correct use and handling of these masks in order to achieve the best possible protective effect.
Feel free to contact us if you need support with any questions about industrial respiratory protection.
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