DustScanAQ conducts occupational aerosol (dust etc.) and indoor air quality monitoring and assessment services in all places of work and indoor spaces where airborne substances can pose an exposure risk to building occupants and visitors.
Prolonged or acute exposure to aerosols including dust, fumes and gases in the workplace can lead to serious respiratory conditions and other illnesses. Dust of any kind can be harmful if we are exposed to high concentrations for prolonged periods but certain aerosols can trigger more serious immune response reactions; asbestos fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust, welding fumes and radon for example can all cause serious lung diseases and cancer. Even seemingly innocuous materials such as flour and wood dust are respiratory sensitisers and can cause occupational asthma.
Exposure to airborne substances in any place of work relates to the HSE Control of Substances to Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. HSE EH40/2005 sets out workplace exposure limits (WEL) for over 500 substances but exposure to some specific substances are regulated separately (e.g. asbestos and lead).
Indoor air quality is affected by the presence/concentrations of airborne substances but is also influenced by ventilation and environmental factors. Poor indoor air quality can affect our health and wellbeing and also impacts our ability to concentrate and productivity. Whilst exposure to airborne substances in commercial, social, educational and residential premises can be assessed with reference to COSHH, it is sometimes more appropriate to refer to other guidelines and building standards such as WHO, BREEAM and WELL.