Fugitive Dust
Fugitive dust refers to tiny particles released into the air from everyday activities, like driving on unpaved roads, farming, or construction work. Unlike pollution from factories or exhaust pipes, fugitive dust doesn’t come from a single spot but from vast areas.
If you’ve ever noticed dust clouds rising from a dirt road or a construction site, that’s fugitive dust. It can be bothersome, but it also has health risks. These dust particles fall under a larger group called particulate matter (PM), which includes solid particles and liquid droplets floating in the air. While factories and cars contribute to PM, the most significant source is unpaved roads.
In fact, the EPA lists particulate matter as one of the six principal air pollutants, alongside carbon monoxide, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
By controlling fugitive dust, we can help improve the air we breathe and protect our health.
