What harm does dust have on human body

Dust is everywhere in our lives. It is solid particles suspended in the air. People are inevitably exposed to dust, wind and sand, and various microorganisms in the air in their daily life. Dust enters the human body every time through breathing. So people have so much exercise every day that they inhale a lot of dust into the body through the respiratory tract, not to mention those who work in dusty environments. So what harm does dust do to the human body?

According to the nature of dust, it can be divided into three categories: inorganic dust (mineral dust, such as silica, asbestos, coal, etc.; metallic dust such as iron, tin, aluminum, etc. and their compounds; artificial inorganic dust, such as cement, corundum, etc.). Organic dust (including plant dust, such as cotton, linen, flour, wood; animal dust, such as fur, silk, bone dust; artificial organic dust, such as organic dyes, pesticides, synthetic resins, etc.), mixed dust (the above two types of dust mixed together). Depending on its chemical properties, dust can cause fibrosis, poisoning, sensitization, etc. to the human body.

When industrial dust enters the human body, it can cause different diseases depending on its nature, location of deposition and amount.

(1) Pneumoconiosis. Long-term inhalation of a certain amount of certain dust can cause pneumoconiosis, which is the most serious hazard caused by industrial dust.

(2) Dust deposition disease. Inhalation of certain metal dusts, such as iron, barium, tin, etc., can cause harm to the human body when reaching a certain amount

(3) Organic dust can cause allergic lesions. Certain organic dusts, such as moldy straw and feathers, can cause interstitial pneumonia or exogenous allergic pneumonia as well as allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, eczema or bronchial asthma.

(4) Respiratory system tumors. Some dusts have been identified as carcinogens, such as radioactive dust, asbestos, nickel, chromium, arsenic, etc.

(5) Local effects Dust can damage the respiratory mucosa. Frequent exposure to dust can also cause skin, ear and eye diseases. Dust can clog the sebaceous glands, causing dry skin and causing folliculitis, pyoderma, etc. Metal and abrasive dust can cause corneal damage, leading to corneal opacity. Asphalt can cause photodermatitis when exposed to sunlight.

(6) Toxic effects. Inhaled toxic dusts such as lead, arsenic, and manganese can dissolve on the walls of the bronchus and alveoli and then be absorbed, causing poisoning.

It is recommended to choose a job that avoids dusty environments as much as possible. If you must work in such an environment, be sure to take protective measures.