{"id":87625,"date":"2026-01-20T14:43:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T19:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/camfilapc.com\/?page_id=87625"},"modified":"2026-07-17T14:49:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T18:49:32","slug":"thermal-spray","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/camfilapc.com\/au\/industries\/thermal-spray\/","title":{"rendered":"Thermal spray process dust"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Health and emission hazards of dusts from thermal spray processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The thermal spray powder coating process atomizes molten metals, which can produce contaminants that threaten worker health and safety. The process creates airborne particles that can be smaller than one micron and can embed deep in lung tissues. Most commonly, metal dust particles enter the respiratory system, but they can also irritate the eyes, mouth, throat, stomach and skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fine dust particles generated during powder spraying can contain a variety of metals associated with health risks. Some of the materials that are sprayed, like nickel and chromium, are known carcinogens. In fact, most chromium-bearing materials can produce hex chrome particles when exposed to the high energy levels required for thermal spraying. Other metals like zinc, bronze, cobalt, aluminum and copper alloys can cause sickness, fever, allergic reactions, lung fibrosis, skin diseases, or pneumoconiosis. Manufacturers must know the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for all materials they handle to stay compliant with OSHA regulations. Dust collectors are the preferred engineering control to maintain a safe PEL and safeguard operators from serious health concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combustible dust fire and explosion hazards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metal particles in the air can create an explosion hazard. Dust collectors prevent combustible metal dust particles from accumulating on floors and other surfaces. However, it is crucial for dust collection systems that handle combustible dusts to be sized correctly for each spray application and according to the recommendations in a dust hazard analysis and NFPA 652. Dust collectors must also be fitted with the correct explosion protection equipment:<\/a> explosion vents, flame retardant cartridges, and possibly spark traps. A correctly engineered dust collection system minimizes risks, protects workers and keeps manufacturers in compliance with OSHA regulations and NFPA standards<\/a>. Camfil APC compliance experts are ready to help.
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Applications That Can Create Dangerous Dust<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n