What are airborne dust and road dust?
Airborne dust is particles under 100 micrometres in diameter. For comparison, a strand of hair is about 60-80 micrometres thick. Road dust is a mix of tyre wear, brake dust, asphalt, sand and gravel from traffic. In winter, much of this is held down by snow and moisture, but when roads dry out in spring, traffic and wind whirl the particles up again.
Why is it a problem?
The smallest particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream. According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, long-term exposure can affect the airways, lungs and blood pressure. The elderly, pregnant women, children and people with respiratory problems are considered particularly vulnerable. From 1 January 2022, air quality requirements in Norway were tightened, so municipalities must introduce measures at lower pollution levels than before.
A spell of dry spring weather is enough for dust that has stayed bound all winter to suddenly become an air quality problem.
How dust can be bound
- Sweeping and washing roads and construction areas
- Using a moisture-binding agent, such as calcium chloride, to bind the last particles
- Especially relevant in cities and densely built areas with many gravel roads and heavy traffic
Applies to building sites too
Crystalline silica dust from concrete, mortar and brick can become harmful to health when it is whirled up by grinding, drilling or cutting. Here too, dust binding and good routines are important measures.
