Any amount of DUST is dangerous – that is why OSHA enforces workplace dust hazard laws. Environmental laws to prevent fugitive dust hazards have been used and enforced for many years.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDEC), The World Health Organization (WHO), The American Lung Association (ALA), The Occupational Safety & Heath Administration (OSHA), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), & the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), all confirm and warn the general public about the dangers of PM10 & PM2.5 Crystalline Silica. For details on the definition of Crystalline Silica PM10 & PM2.5 Dust, see the “Dust is Hazardous – period” (Link). There are several methods of dust control – most are less effective than ArenaKleen. Watering: Easy, yes! Cost, depending on if you are using a “well” located on the property or not. How deep is the well in conjunction to the water table in your area and are the water tables at capacity due to weather. Is your area experiencing a “drought” or not? Being honest, most of us do not consider that possibility, but it bears consideration and will considerable affect the cost of watering. The watering method: Water surrounds the sand particles, which creates loose footing until the water has evaporated. During the winter months the water can freeze, which makes the footing hard – do you want to be exercising your horses on a frozen surface? Calcium & Magnesium Chlorides: These are “industrial salts,” which “draws” moisture from the air in order to keep the dirt/sand/footings moist. All well and good, unless you live and ride in an “arid” climate, like in the Southwest. Points to consider with these Chlorides, they are very “hazardous,” even more so than the Crystalline Silica, when inhaled. They are easily washed away during a Rain Storm – not an issue for indoor arenas, unless you water a lot. However, “Run Off” from the Chlorides will kill vegetation and pollute our wetlands and streams. Chlorides will cause Metal, Horseshoes, tack and other equipment to corrode. Another consequence often overlooked…. is the corrosion damage to electrical and hydraulic systems on tractors and equipment.
0 Comments
Dust is Hazardous – Period.When Sunlight shines through the windows in your arena, does it look like this?These photos show the PM10 & PM2.5 size silica particles – seen in the sunlight beam, but they are still present even when they are not “highlighted” by sunlight. Where is this Silica? It’s in the footing of your arena. “The definition of Crystalline Silica particles, size PM10 & PM2.5: Crystalline silica is the basic component of soil, sand, granite and may other minerals. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen. Additionally, breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. The respirable silica dust enters the lungs and causes the formation of scar tissue, thus reducing the lung’s ability to take in oxygen. 1 (A leading contributor to Pneumonia, Bronchitis and COPD) PM10 & PM2.5 particle size can remain airborne for up to 24 hours and when inhaled these particles lodge deep into lung tissue and are a true health hazard…the public is generally not aware of the sever health effects of dust.” 1 OSHA: “Crystalline Silica Exposure” Health Hazard Information for Construction Employees. http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3177.html. FACTS to consider: |
About us:
Nox Blending, Established in 2009 with the goal of contributing to the improvement of the environment around us. With a core focus on environmentally compatible products we seek to reduce the pollutants in our air and water from the ever increasing demand of new development and recreation opportunities. Archives
October 2018
Categories |