The average person usually won’t suffer from any major health issues caused by occasional dust inhalation.

But if you work in an industrial facility and there is always dust floating through the air, you could very well be forced to deal with issues that are commonly associated with inhaling dust.

For this reason, it’s very important for industrial facilities to utilize products that are designed to do away with dust in the air. It will reduce the chances of their employees suffering from the side effects of dust inhalation, and it will also make their employees more comfortable as a whole when they’re working.

There are dozens of health issues that can set in due to dust inhalation. Let’s take a look at 5 of the most common issues that can be caused.

1. Sneezing

One of the first things that you’ll notice when you walk into an industrial facility that’s filled with dust is a lot of people sneezing.

There are actually quite a few people who are allergic to dust. They will sneeze more often than others when exposed to it. They will also have symptoms like:

  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Itching

These people absolutely cannot be exposed to dust inhalation for prolonged periods of time.

However, even those who don’t have dust allergies should steer clear of inhaling dust on a regular basis.

Whenever a large amount of dust is inhaled, a person’s body will try and get rid of it right away by inducing a sneeze. This is a sign that your body has taken in too much dust and doesn’t want it anywhere near your lungs.

If you find yourself sneezing on the job more often than not, you are probably either allergic to dust or are just taking in too much dust. It could be taking a big toll on your body.

2. Persistent Cough

While your body will usually try and limit dust inhalation by forcing you to sneeze, there’s no way for it to stop all dust from entering your body.

It’s going to be especially difficult for your body to deal with dust when you’re working in dusty conditions day in and day out. Even with a protective mask over your face, some dust particles can find their way through and get into your lungs.

When this happens, you will usually get a persistent cough that just won’t go away.

The great thing about the human body is that it can find ways to get rid of dust and other intruders that gather in the lungs. Your body is an efficient system that can handle a lot and overcome adversity.

But at some point, dust inhalation will get to be too much. Your body will force you into frequent coughing fits that can physically hurt.

It will all be because of the dust you have encountered, and it could also be a sign of even bigger problems to come.

3. Rhinitis

Rhinitis, which is also commonly referred to as hayfever, is another common health issue that you might have to endure if you subject your body to frequent dust inhalation.

With rhinitis, you will experience inflammation of your mucous membrane, which could ultimately affect your airways. Dust can also inflame your trachea or your bronchi and cause tracheitis or bronchitis.

All of these health issues can be cured. But they can put you out of work for a few days and force you to seek medical treatment.

Dust particles can also continue on to your lungs and cause you even bigger issues in the future if you’re not careful.

4. Asthma Attacks

The good news is that there is no research at this time that indicates that dust inhalation causes asthma.

However, if you have asthma and surround yourself with dust all the time, you’re more likely to experience an asthma attack.

Those with other respiratory conditions might also experience problems if they’re exposed to dust frequently. You need to be careful about being around dust if you have:

  • Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (better known as COPD)
  • Emphysema

Additionally, some studies have suggested that extensive exposure to dust could lead to issues like chronic bronchitis and even more serious heart and lung problems.

5. Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is classified as an occupational lung disease that is often diagnosed in those who have worked around dust for a living.

While many of those people suffering from pneumoconiosis got it by working in mines and other tight spaces filled with dust, those in the industrial world are also at an increased risk of dealing with it.

Pneumoconiosis causes hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Most of these deaths are the result of exposure to dust containing asbestos and silica dust.

These types of dust can cause scarring to take place in the lungs, and the scarring can change the way the lungs function and make it difficult for people to breathe.

Those people who have been exposed to this type of dust are usually unable to work and often times end up succumbing to the health issues associated with breathing in dust.

There has been a big push to prevent people from being exposed to dust that contains asbestos and silica. But it’s worth noting that even dust that doesn’t contain it can cause long-term lung issues in those who breathe it in on a daily basis.

Make Dust Inhalation a Thing of the Past in Your Facility

Do you want to make sure that those who work at your industrial facility never have to deal with the dangerous health issues associated with dust inhalation?

We sell a variety of air filtration products that will allow you to keep dust out of the air in your facility. From filter bags to collection bags, these products can cut down on your employees’ exposure to dust.

If you suspect your building might have poor air quality, it’s important to test it and then fix the problem right away. Otherwise, it could cause issues for your company later.

Read our blog to find out tips and techniques for removing dust from the air in your facility.