Facts to Help Workplaces Prevent and Minimise Particle Pollution


Despite significant efforts to monitor, regulate and enforce air quality standards in Australia, air pollution remains a serious public health and environmental concern. Exposure to air pollution in the workplace is likely to negatively affect a workforce. Particle pollution or particulate matter (PM) is the type of pollution caused by a combination of solid particles with liquid droplets in the atmosphere. Such particles are emitted from different places such as unpaved roads and construction sites. Here are some facts to help workplaces manage particle pollution:

Knowing Particulates

Particle pollution stems from different sources, but the bottom line is that such particles come in various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, particles comprise of different chemical compositions depending on the source. For example, fires and smoke can emit tonnes of particles that engulf the air, making it difficult for human beings and animals to get the oxygen they need. Such particles are referred to as primary particles because they emanate directly from sources like quarrying sites and construction workplaces. On the other hand, secondary particles are derived from complex reactions of chemicals like nitrogen oxide occurring in the atmosphere. The latter type is the largest contributor to particle pollution in Australia and across the globe. 

Effects of Particle Pollution

Any workplace should ensure that it plays its part in reducing the exposure of its workers to particle pollution because of the associated health impacts. Inhaling coarse and fine particles can have serious health implications for the workplace. Remember that the smaller the diameter of the particle, the easier it is to penetrate vital body organs such as the lungs and the bloodstream. Exposure to particle pollution is likely to exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as asthma, heart attacks, lung cancer and strokes, among others. The long-term effect is often increased hospital admissions for your workforce. Therefore, monitoring and mitigating particulate pollution is important for keeping a healthy workforce. 

Particle Sampling

Sampling of particles at the workplace is a crucial step toward managing particle pollution. Calibrated meters are used for giving accurate results that can be compared to Australian standards. The sampling of particles involves measuring the level of concentration in the air, which is then equated to the ideal scenario. Experts can also help your workplace identify all sources of particulates. In addition, such professionals can recommend ways to prevent or minimise exposure levels based on the results of the sampling exercise.

Reach out to air quality services in your area for more information.

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Greg's Energy Blog

Hello! My name is Greg and this is my energy blog. I was inspired to start this blog by my good friend Phil. Phil had recently attended a conference about green energy solutions and he returned home super excited. Over dinner and a few drinks, we chatted and he gave me lots of very cool information which inspired me to install solar panels on my home. The energy company I contacted was super helpful and they sent a contractor around to my home who completed the work to an extremely high standard. I'm so pleased I have gone green. i hope this blog inspires you to go green too!

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