Last updated: July 9, 2024
Presented by Crestwood General | crestwoodgeneral.com

Quick Summary

Aerosols are tiny particles or droplets floating in the air — some can be harmful to breathe
Workers in many industries may be exposed to aerosols like dust, mist, fumes, or smoke
NIOSH (part of CDC) studies how to protect workers from harmful aerosols
Simple safety steps — like better ventilation, protective gear, and safe work practices — can reduce risk
Free guides and tools are available to help employers and workers stay safe

What Are Aerosols?

An aerosol is a cloud of tiny particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.

In Simple Terms

Think of aerosols like invisible (or sometimes visible) specks floating around you:
- Dust: From sanding, grinding, or construction work
- Mist: Tiny droplets from spraying paints, cleaners, or oils
- Fumes: Smoke-like particles from welding, soldering, or heating metals
- Smoke: From burning materials, engines, or industrial processes

How Small Are We Talking?

Particle Size	Comparison
1 nanometer (nm)	About 1/100,000 the width of a human hair
100 nanometers	Size of some viruses
1 micrometer (µm)	About 1/100 the width of a human hair
10–100 µm	Visible dust; can still be inhaled deep into lungs
Human hair	20–180 µm wide (for reference)

Smaller particles can travel deeper into the lungs and may pose greater health risks.

Why Aerosols Matter at Work

Aerosols are common in many workplaces and can affect worker health and safety.

How Workers Can Be Exposed

Route of Exposure	What It Means	Example
Inhalation	Breathing particles into the lungs	Dust from cutting concrete; fumes from welding
Skin contact	Particles landing on or absorbing through skin	Oil mist on arms; chemical dust on hands
Eye contact	Particles irritating or entering the eyes	Spray mist during painting; grinding dust
Ingestion	Swallowing particles (often after touching face)	Eating with dusty hands; drinking in a contaminated area

What Determines Risk?

Not all aerosols are equally dangerous. Risk depends on:

Factor	Why It Matters
Particle size	Smaller particles reach deeper into lungs
Chemical composition	Some materials (like silica, asbestos, or manganese) are more toxic
Shape	Sharp or fibrous particles (like asbestos) can cause more damage
Concentration	Higher amounts in the air increase exposure risk
Duration	Longer or repeated exposure raises health risks
Worker health	People with asthma, lung disease, or weakened immunity may be more vulnerable

Possible Health Effects

Timeframe	Examples of Effects
Short-term	Eye irritation, coughing, sore throat, dizziness, nausea
Long-term	Chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung scarring (fibrosis), cancer, heart disease

Safety Hazards Beyond Health

Some aerosols create physical dangers too:
- Slips and falls: Dust or mist on floors can make surfaces slippery
- Fires and explosions: Certain dusts (like flour, coal, or metal powders) can ignite or explode under the right conditions
- Equipment damage: Buildup of dust or residue can interfere with machinery

How NIOSH Studies Aerosols to Protect Workers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency that researches workplace safety. NIOSH studies aerosols to help answer key questions:

What NIOSH Research Helps Us Understand

Research Area	What It Tells Us
How aerosols form and move	Where particles come from and how they spread through a workspace
Who is most at risk	Which jobs, tasks, or workers face higher exposure
Health impacts	How different particles affect lungs, skin, eyes, and overall health
Safety risks	When aerosols might cause fires, explosions, or accidents
How to measure exposure	Best ways to sample air and test for harmful particles
How to reduce risk	Which controls, practices, or equipment work best to protect workers

Real-World Examples of NIOSH Research

Studying welding fumes to recommend better ventilation and respirators
Testing dust controls in mining to reduce silica exposure
Evaluating mist from metalworking fluids to protect machinists
Developing safer methods for handling nanomaterials (ultra-small particles)

The Hierarchy of Controls: A Step-by-Step Safety Plan

NIOSH recommends using the Hierarchy of Controls — a proven framework for reducing workplace hazards. Think of it as a ladder: start at the top for the most effective protection.

Level 1: Elimination (Most Effective)

Remove the hazard completely.
Example: Stop using a toxic chemical; switch to a safer process that does not create dust.

Level 2: Substitution

Replace the hazard with something safer.
Example: Use water-based paint instead of solvent-based to reduce harmful mist.

Level 3: Engineering Controls

Change the workspace or equipment to reduce exposure.
Examples:
- Install local exhaust ventilation (like a hood) to capture fumes at the source
- Use enclosed processes to contain dust
- Add water sprays to suppress dust during cutting or grinding

Level 4: Administrative Controls

Change how work is done to limit exposure.
Examples:
- Rotate workers to reduce time spent in high-exposure areas
- Schedule dusty tasks when fewer people are present
- Train workers on safe handling and cleanup procedures
- Post warning signs and safe work instructions

Level 5: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Least Effective Alone)

Protect the worker directly when other controls are not enough.
Examples:
- Respirators (N95 masks, half-face, or full-face respirators) for breathing protection
- Safety goggles or face shields for eye protection
- Gloves, coveralls, or aprons to prevent skin contact
- Hearing protection if noisy equipment is used with aerosol-generating tasks

Important: PPE should be used with other controls, not instead of them. Proper fit, training, and maintenance are essential for PPE to work.

Practical Tips for Workers and Employers

For Employers: Building a Safer Workplace

Identify aerosol hazards: Walk through worksites and note tasks that create dust, mist, fumes, or smoke
Measure exposure: Use air sampling to understand what workers are breathing
Apply the Hierarchy of Controls: Start with elimination or substitution when possible
Train your team: Teach workers how to recognize hazards, use controls, and wear PPE correctly
Maintain equipment: Keep ventilation systems, filters, and safety gear in good working order
Monitor health: Offer health screenings for workers with regular aerosol exposure
Stay updated: Follow NIOSH and OSHA guidance for your industry

For Workers: Protecting Yourself on the Job

Know the hazards: Ask about aerosols in your work area and how to stay safe
Use controls properly: Turn on ventilation, follow safe work procedures, and keep workspaces clean
Wear PPE correctly: Make sure respirators fit well; replace filters as directed; store gear properly
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands before eating; avoid touching your face; change out of dusty clothes before going home
Speak up: Report concerns about air quality, equipment problems, or symptoms like coughing or eye irritation
Get trained: Participate in safety training and ask questions if something is unclear

For Both: Creating a Safety Culture

Encourage open communication about hazards and near-misses
Involve workers in selecting and testing safety controls
Celebrate safety wins and learn from incidents without blame
Review and update safety practices regularly

Free Resources from NIOSH and Partners

Topic-Specific Webpages

Resource	Focus Area	Link
Nanotechnology	Safety with ultra-small particles	cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech
Silica	Protecting workers from crystalline silica dust	cdc.gov/niosh/topics/silica
Welding Fumes and Manganese	Reducing exposure to welding hazards	cdc.gov/niosh/topics/welding

Practical Guides and Tools

Resource	What It Offers
Engineering Controls Reports	Real-world examples of ventilation, enclosure, and substitution strategies
NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM)	Step-by-step methods for sampling and testing workplace aerosols
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards	Quick reference for chemical properties, exposure limits, and PPE recommendations
Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining	Best practices for reducing dust in mining and processing
Best Practices for Dust Control in Coal Mining	Proven strategies to protect coal miners from respirable dust

Search for More Research

NIOSHTIC-2 Database: A searchable library of NIOSH publications, reports, and journal articles
Suggested search terms: aerosol, dust, fume, mist, particulate matter, sampling, exposure, combustible dust
Visit: cdc.gov/niosh/nioshtic-2

Industries Where Aerosol Safety Matters

Aerosols can be found in many workplaces. Here are common examples:

Industry	Typical Aerosol Hazards	Key Safety Focus
Construction	Silica dust, wood dust, welding fumes	Wet cutting, ventilation, respirators
Manufacturing	Metal fumes, chemical mists, plastic dust	Local exhaust, enclosure, PPE
Mining and Quarrying	Coal dust, silica, diesel exhaust	Dust suppression, monitoring, engineering controls
Healthcare	Aerosolized medications, disinfectant mist, bioaerosols	Ventilation, safe handling procedures
Agriculture	Grain dust, pesticide spray, mold spores	Respirators, enclosed cabs, training
Painting and Coating	Solvent mists, spray paint particles	Ventilation booths, respirators, substitution
Welding and Metalwork	Metal fumes (iron, manganese, chromium), ozone	Local exhaust, fume extraction, PPE
Food Processing	Flour dust, spice particles, oil mist	Dust collection, explosion prevention, hygiene

How Crestwood General Supports Workplace Health

At Crestwood General, we believe every worker deserves a safe, healthy environment. We partner with employers and employees to promote aerosol safety and overall occupational health.

Services We Offer

Workplace health consultations: Help identify aerosol hazards and recommend controls
Health screenings: Lung function tests, symptom checks, and referrals for workers with exposure concerns
Training and education: Simple, practical sessions on recognizing hazards, using PPE, and following safe practices
Resource connection: Guidance to free NIOSH tools, OSHA standards, and industry best practices
Care for exposure-related concerns: Evaluation and management of respiratory, skin, or eye symptoms linked to workplace aerosols

Questions We Can Help Answer

What aerosols might be in my workplace, and how can I reduce exposure?
Which respirator is right for my job, and how do I make sure it fits?
How often should air quality be tested, and who can do it?
What symptoms should I watch for if I work around dust or fumes?
Where can I find free, reliable safety resources for my industry?

For Employers: Building a Healthier Workforce

Reduce absenteeism and turnover by preventing exposure-related illness
Lower risk of fines, lawsuits, or accidents through proactive safety practices
Boost morale and productivity when workers feel protected and valued
Stay compliant with OSHA and industry standards

For Workers: Taking Charge of Your Health

Learn your rights to a safe workplace and proper training
Know how to report hazards or symptoms without fear of retaliation
Partner with your employer to find practical, effective solutions
Prioritize your long-term health — your career and family depend on it

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if aerosols in my workplace are dangerous?

Start by asking: What materials are used? What tasks create dust, mist, or fumes? Are workers experiencing symptoms like coughing or eye irritation? When in doubt, request air sampling or consult a safety professional. NIOSH and OSHA resources can help you assess risk.

Can a regular face mask protect me from aerosols?

Not always. Cloth or surgical masks are designed to block large droplets, not tiny aerosol particles. For hazardous aerosols, a properly fitted respirator (like an N95 or higher) is usually needed. A workplace safety assessment can determine the right level of protection.

How often should air quality be tested?

It depends on the hazard, how often the task is performed, and whether controls are in place. High-risk tasks (like cutting silica-containing materials) may require regular monitoring. NIOSH and OSHA provide guidance on sampling frequency for specific hazards.

What if my employer won't address aerosol hazards?

Workers have rights under OSHA to a safe workplace. You can:
- Report concerns to your supervisor or safety committee
- Contact OSHA confidentially to request an inspection
- Reach out to a union representative or occupational health professional
- Document symptoms or hazards to support your case

Are natural aerosols (like pollen) covered by workplace safety rules?

Workplace safety rules focus on hazards created or intensified by work activities. However, if outdoor work exposes employees to high levels of natural aerosols (like wildfire smoke or heavy pollen), employers should still take reasonable steps to protect workers — such as providing masks, adjusting schedules, or improving indoor air quality.

How can small businesses afford aerosol safety measures?

Many effective controls are low-cost or no-cost:
- Improve natural ventilation by opening windows or doors
- Use wet methods to suppress dust instead of dry sweeping
- Train workers on safe practices and proper PPE use
- Start with simple substitution (e.g., less toxic materials)
NIOSH and OSHA offer free consultation services for small businesses to help prioritize and implement safety improvements.

Take Action Today: Simple Steps Toward Safer Air

You do not need to be an expert to start improving aerosol safety.

For Workers

Ask: What aerosols are in my work area, and how can I protect myself?
Observe: Do I see dust, mist, or fumes? Do coworkers have symptoms?
Act: Use provided controls and PPE correctly; report concerns promptly.

For Employers

Assess: Walk your worksite and identify tasks that generate aerosols.
Control: Apply the Hierarchy of Controls — start with elimination or engineering solutions.
Engage: Train your team, listen to feedback, and review safety practices regularly.

For Everyone

Share this guide with coworkers, supervisors, or safety committees
Bookmark NIOSH resources for quick reference
Prioritize health: if something feels unsafe, speak up

Connect with Crestwood General for Workplace Health Support

At Crestwood General, we are committed to helping workers and employers create healthier, safer workplaces. Whether you have questions about aerosol safety, need help finding resources, or want to discuss health concerns related to workplace exposure, our team is here to support you.

Visit Us Online

Go to crestwoodgeneral.com to:
- Download free workplace safety checklists and symptom trackers
- Learn about occupational health services and screenings
- Schedule a consultation for your business or personal health needs
- Sign up for updates on workplace wellness and prevention tips

Your health at work matters. Let us help you breathe easier.