5. Dust

The handling of powdered products during transport, fluidization, packaging, ensilage, etc. leads to the emanation of dust, in other words to the suspension of the finest particles in the surrounding atmosphere. This phenomenon can give rise to serious inconveniences:

• hygiene problems due to dust deposits on surfaces;

• explosion and ignition hazards for organic or highly reactive powders;

• risks to human health from ingestion or inhalation, leading to chronic lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and pleurisy;

• environmental pollution associated with the production, handling and use of these products.

Although the definition of the word "dust" is not clearly defined, all the disciplines involved...