September 17th, 2018

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.