What’s In The Dust?

We Need to Talk About The Dust

Dust isn’t just a nuisance it’s a health hazard. From lead particles to harmful chemicals, silica, and plastic, dust particles can contain dangerous substances that threaten our health. We are working to raise awareness about the dangerous particles we unknowingly inhale and how we can protect ourselves.

• Key Points:

  • Airborne dust particles come from many sources, including general pollution, industrial emissions, automotive activity, and the use of material spread on our roads in winter to provide traction.

  • Lead from small aircraft burning leaded fuel is a major hidden source of airborne pollution. [1}

  • We breathe in these microscopic particles every day, often without realizing the health risks they pose.

What’s in the Dust?

The dust around us isn’t just dirt—it’s made up of tiny particles that can easily be inhaled and enter our bloodstream. Some of the harmful particles that can be in the dust include:

• Lead:
  Despite being banned in automotive fuel, leaded aviation fuel is still used by small aircraft, releasing harmful lead particles into the air. These particles are dangerous because they are so small that they can easily enter the bloodstream, leading to poisoning over time. Check out our page on “health effects” and “where are we finding it?” [2]
  
  Most of the dust we are seeing is made of PM2.5 and PM10 particles these come from vehicle exhaust and travel, industrial activities, forest fires, and Anchorage’s well known Silica dust. These tiny particles pass straight through the lungs and cause cardiovascular issues, lung disease, asthma, and can lead to premature death. [3]

• Silica dust: Per an article from OSHA “Breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. When silica dust enters the lungs, it causes the formation of scar tissue, which makes it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen. There is no cure for silicosis.” [4,5,6]
  

• Plastic:
  Beyond lead, another widespread concern is microplastic present in dust, often linked to industrial emissions, tire wear, and worldwide human activity. These plastics are toxic when inhaled or ingested, causing long-term damage to organs. [7]

Why Does This Matter?

These invisible particles are not just a nuisance—they can significantly affect health. Long-term exposure to airborne dust, particularly lead, silica, and other pollutants, have been linked to a wide range of serious health problems, including:

• Neurological Damage:
  Lead is a potent neurotoxin. Especially harmful, even low levels of lead exposure can cause cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, violence, and behavioral issues. [8]

• Respiratory Issues:
  Dust from industrial pollutants, pesticides, and particulate matter can irritate the lungs and cause chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. [3,4,5,6]

• Cardiovascular Diseases:
  Studies have shown that exposure to certain airborne particles, such as those from lead and other heavy metals, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. [3,9]

• Cancer Risk:
  Lead, Silica, Microplastics, and other chemicals in the dust have been linked to various forms of cancer, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. [7,3,4]

Where Is This Dust Found?

Dust isn’t confined to just one place—it’s everywhere. However, certain areas are at a higher risk for exposure:

• Near Small Airports:
  Small airports using leaded aviation fuel are major sources of lead dust. People living near these airports are at an increased risk of exposure.

• Industrial Areas:
  Factories, mining, port operations, and areas with historical pollution are prime locations for heavy metals and other contaminants to become airborne. Anchorage geography provides a “bowl” that keeps the dust from being easily blown away. This contributes to awful levels of airborne dust throughout most of the year.

• Agricultural Regions:
  Areas where pesticides and fertilizers are regularly used may have increased amounts of harmful chemicals in the dust.

• Renovation Zones:
  If older buildings are being renovated, particularly in urban areas, pollution can be disturbed and released into the air.

• Check out our page “Where are we finding lead”

How We Can Protect Ourselves

Taking action against dust pollution is essential for safeguarding your own and public health. Here are steps individuals and communities can take:

• Test for Lead:
  Advocate for testing in areas with high pollution risk, especially near airports and industrial sites.

• Improve Air Filtration:
  Use high-quality air filters (such as HEPA and ULPA filters) to reduce indoor dust, though keep in mind that these filters aren’t effective against the smallest particles, like aviation produced lead. See our page Why Avgas is so bad

• Support Policy Change:
  Push for the phase-out of leaded aviation fuel and the adoption of safer, unleaded alternatives. This can dramatically reduce lead exposure in communities near airports. Push for cleaner cities and practices. In Anchorage, push for a cleaner aggregate for street snow traction use, use less, and clean up when it gets dry out to prevent it from becoming airborne.

• Community Action:
  Support local and national efforts to monitor and regulate air quality in your area. Join campaigns calling for stricter regulations on industrial pollutants and leaded fuel.

Take accountability for your health and wellbeing.

You need to know “What Is in the Dust” and we value your help to raise awareness, promote safer practices, and demand changes in the way we handle dust and pollution. Join us in our fight for cleaner air and a healthier future for all!

• Get Involved:

  • Pay attention to the air quality in your area and take note of your personal health.

  • Report poor air quality to the municipality of Anchorage [10] Or your local municipality.

  • Donate to support our efforts to educate communities about dust pollution.

  • Share the campaign on social media to spread the word.

  • Advocate for a healthier life and a healthier world.