Dust is not just a nuisance. Particle size, composition and dose determine risk. On UK sites, respirable crystalline silica (RCS), wood dust and welding fume are leading concerns under COSHH and HSE EH40.

What happens in the lungs

Particles above PM10 mostly irritate the nose and throat. PM2.5 and smaller reach deep into the lungs; PM1 can cross into the bloodstream. Chronic exposure drives inflammation, scarring and cardiovascular stress.

Key hazards

• RCS from cutting or drilling concrete and stone: HSE WEL is 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). Long-term exposure risks silicosis, COPD and lung cancer.
• Hardwood and softwood dusts: linked to asthma and, for some hardwoods, nasal cancer.
• Welding fume: a complex mix of fine particulates and gases, associated with respiratory and neurological effects.

Early signs to act on

Persistent cough, breathlessness during routine tasks, tight chest, wheeze or eye and throat irritation warrant investigation. Do not normalise symptoms—review controls and encourage reporting.

Controls that make the difference

Use the three-layer approach. Capture at source with tool-mounted extraction or water suppression, and design processes to reduce dust generation. Capture in the air using LEV, air scrubbers or negative air units positioned close to emission points; check airflow under load and maintain filters. Capture on surfaces with industrial vacuums (avoid sweeping and compressed air). Supplement with fit-tested RPE and scheduling to minimise exposure time. Verify with a particulate monitor where available and keep simple records.

Practical takeaways

• Target PM2.5/PM1 exposures; apply robust source capture for RCS and wood dust.
• Use H14 filtration for fine or carcinogenic respirable dusts.
• Avoid sweeping; vacuum and contain waste at source.
• Monitor periodically and act on early symptoms—do not wait for complaints.

Understanding how dust harms health makes control decisions clearer. Small, consistent actions cut exposure and keep work on track.