DUST

Dust is a fine particle of solid dry matter that can be transported by air. Dust pollution refers to air pollution by dust substances of different origin and size. Examples include, but are not limited to, domestic dust, pollen dust, sand dust, road dust, metal dust, silica dust, paper dust, plastic dust or textile dust. Exposure to dust pollution is linked with health hazards that often go unnoticed for a long time, because particles that cause most damage are often invisible. In the fashion and textile industry, handling of dyestuff in textile finishing as well as multiple cotton and wool processes are associated with serious health risks. These include byssinosis, a respiratory condition that causes breathing problems and chest tightness; occupational asthma; chronic bronchitis and cancer. While dust pollution is an issue that affects workers regardless of geography, its harmful impacts are aggravated by lack of preventive and protective measures in major production countries that still lack stringent health and safety criteria, such as China, India, Pakistan, Myanmar or Bangladesh.(1-6)