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A chemistry research team at the Ohio State University, very first time using a new kind of sensor, has isolated and measured the composition of unique dust particles in their laboratory.
Dust is made up of solid particles predominantly larger than those found in colloids and capable of temporary suspension in air or other gases. In any given room, even the most sterile scientific clean rooms, there are dust particles in the air and coating every surface. If allowed to go without cleaned, the dust will accumulate to eventually cover every surface.
But what exactly is the dust in the air and on our tables and shelves? Dust or particles released into the air from activities such as mining, quarrying, driving on unsealed roads and abrasive blasting, can cause significant adverse environmental impacts such as soiling of property or surfaces, visual impacts and personal discomfort (for example, gritty eyes).
There are a number of situations in which dust can cause considerable annoyance to many people. It can be a very contentious issue, particularly within the context of resource consent applications for dusty activities such as quarries, stockpiles, land clearance for development and manufacturing processes.
Dust particulate can be carried several hundreds of feet, penetrating nearby homes and covering crops. Crop growth can be stunted due to the shading effect and clogged plant pores. The fine dust particles are washed off during precipitation and carried into streams, creeks and lakes increasing their respective turbidities. In human health dust is a common cause of allergies and hay fever and a conveyor of diseases according to a United Nation study (United Nations, 1979).
Led by James Coe, professor of chemistry, the Ohio State University researchers identified 63 dust particles, each containing its own composition of ingredients. They found the most common ingredient of indoor dust was organic matter, originating from either a plant or animal.
The first batch of dust contains particles, as revealed by Coe, from a mix of organic, mineral and man-made sources. 40 of the particles were organic in nature, emanating from plant or animal material while not all specifically identified; this matter includes skin particles, dander, pollen, and many others. — though finding their exact — icky — origin, will require further testing.
The second most prolific ingredient was the mineral quartz, which was found in 34 of the samples. Man-made chemicals from air pollution, fertilisers, and construction materials were also present in small amounts. “A single dust particle is like a snapshot of mankind’s impact on the environment,” Coe said. A library of dust types could aid the study of respiratory diseases that are caused by airborne particles. A lung disease called silicosis, Coe explains in an example, was caused by silica dust from mining operations.
WHO estimates more than 2 million people die every year from breathing in tiny particles present in indoor and outdoor air pollution. PM10 particles, which are particles of 10 micrometers or less, which can penetrate into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream, can cause heart disease, lung cancer, asthma, and acute lower respiratory infections.
The WHO air quality guidelines for PM10 is 20 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) as an annual average, but the data released today shows that average PM10 in some cities has reached up to 300 µg/m3. Particle pollution can increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and asthma attacks and interfere with the growth and function of the lungs, according to the American Lung Association, which has fought to curb these emissions in the United States. This dust further causes particle pollution.
Particle pollution is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in air. This pollution, also known as particulate matter, is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulphates), organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, and allergens (such as fragments of pollen or mold spores). Unlike summertime ozone, particle pollution can occur year-round, and is linked to serious health problems, even at concentrations found in many cities.
If dust countable then negative impact caused by dust help in elimination of diseases caused by dust and curing of pollution control.
Environmentaldefence 
Hi Naseem,
As you may know, my expertise (prior to doing my MA in Environmental Politics!) is or was in Hydrogeology (that is – anything to do with water underground). However, for much of the last 20 years I have been applying this knowledge to hydrogeological risk assessments for landfill sites (rubbish tips) where noise, dust, birds, flies, smells, and mud on roads are all associated problems. However, in the course of doing my MA, I have also learnt about acid rain (and long range trans-boundary pollution (LRTAP) in general, which was one of the first examples of international co-operation to tackle a problem that does not recognise territorial boundaries…
The great shame of it all is that, following the demise of the “red menace” of the USSR, many in the USA chose as their new enemy the “green menace” instead. This is why the international co-operation needed to tackle climate change has been conspicuous by its absence for nearly 20 years…
Keep up the good work my friend; you are on the side of the righteous…
Martin.
Thanks Martin 🙂
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