dust

Definition

Airborne particulate matter ranging in diameter from 10 to 50 microns, generated by activities such as cutting, crushing, detonation, grinding, and handling of organic and inorganic matter such as coal, grain, metal, ore, rock, wood. Their presence in upper atmosphere can cause either a net warming or a net cooling effect, depending upon their surface color. Dust particles with black upper and gray or white lower surface would cause warming, whereas those with opposite color arrangement would cause cooling. Industrial dust (generated by cutting, drilling, grinding, or sawing) can pose health risks if inhaled and (because such particles usually are less than 10 microns in diameter) would be more hazardous due to its ability to embed deep into lungs and other tissue.