Each year, thousands of workers are injured or killed by breathing in hazardous dust particles at their job.
Occupational dust exposure can cause serious illness. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of work-related illness and death in the United States. Each year, thousands of workers are injured or killed by breathing in hazardous dust particles at their job. If you’re not careful, you could be one of them. In this article, we’ll discuss occupational dust exposure and how to protect yourself from it.
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What Is Occupational Dust Exposure?
As the name suggests, occupational dust exposure occurs when workers are exposed to harmful dust particles in their workplace, leading to adverse health effects. It can happen in any industry where workers are exposed to dust, including construction, mining, agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. Inhaling dust particles can cause various health problems, ranging from minor irritation to death.
How Does Occupational Dust Exposure Happen?
Before we discuss how to protect yourself from occupational dust exposure, it’s important to understand how it happens and the symptoms to look out for. Dust particles can enter your body through your nose and mouth, or they can be inhaled into your lungs. Once they’re in your body, the dust particles can cause various health problems.
The most common way workers are exposed to harmful dust particles is by breathing them in. Dust can be generated by various sources, including power tools, vehicles, and even the wind. When these dust particles are inhaled, they can enter your lungs and cause serious health problems.
Another way workers can be exposed to harmful dust particles is through skin contact. Dust particles can settle on your skin and be absorbed through your pores. This can cause irritation and other health problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Occupational Dust Exposure?
The symptoms of occupational dust exposure depend on how much dust you’ve been exposed to and what type of dust it is. However, common symptoms of dust exposure include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Dry throat
If you experience any of these symptoms after being exposed to dust, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Failure to which you risk serious health implications that could be long-term or even fatal, including:
- Respiratory diseases
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Lung disease
- Skin irritation
How to Protect Yourself from Occupational Dust Exposure
The best way to protect yourself from occupational dust exposure is to avoid it altogether. If you work in an industry where you’re exposed to dust, make sure to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes a respirator or air-purifying mask, safety glasses or goggles, and protective clothing.
Second, make sure your workplace is clean and free of dust. Dust can build up over time, so it’s important to clean your workplace regularly. This will help reduce the amount of dust you’re exposed to.
Third, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid stirring up dust whenever possible. If you get exposed to dust, be sure to shower and change your clothes as soon as possible.
Lastly, if you’ve been exposed to harmful dust particles, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to dust particles can cause various health problems, and the sooner you get treatment, the better.
Kansas City Workers Compensation Attorneys
If you or someone you love has a work-related illness due to occupational dust exposure, our Kansas City workers compensation attorneys can help by putting over 30 years of experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Get FREE Legal Advice
Call today to speak with an experienced Missouri workers compensation attorney!
