Respirable dust, responsible for pneumoconiosis, has a size limit of:
Pneumoconiosis occur due to occupational exposure to dust. Paicles size 0.5 to 3.0 microns are the most dangerous (as a health hazard causing pneumoconiosis), as they reach the interior of lungs with ease. Paicles size and behaviour: Paicle size Behaviour >10 microns Settle down by gravity <10 microns Remain suspended in air 5-10 microns Arrested in upper respiratory tract 3-5 microns Deposited in mid respiratory tract 1-3 microns Enter alveoli and settle there (cause pneumoconiosis) <1 more Brownian movement Ref: Park 25th edition Pgno: 843
<1 micron
<5 micron
<10 micron
<100 micron
Hospital waste and disaster management, Occupational health