Finished plastics are in high demand all over the world. This means that companies that process plastics are also in high demand. These processes include plastics molding processes such as blow, compression and injection molding, as well as any processes that cut, grind, machine, cast, cure or seal any plastics. All of these processes create dust and (at times) smoke which need to be mitigated with a commercial dust collector for many reasons:
Plastic Dust Buildup Can Be a Fire or Explosion Hazard
Plastic or other chemical dusts, have led to at least 200 industrial accidents over the last 25 years killing over 100 people. Many of these explosions could have been prevented by a good industrial dust collection system.
Plastic Dust Contaminates Work Product
Plastic dust, if not mitigated properly, can settle on work equipment and the products during the manufacturing process which can lead to lower quality finished products.
Plastic Dust May Lead to Workplace Accidents
When plastic dust settles on work surfaces and floors, it may lead to slips and falls, accidents from malfunction of the plastics production equipment or other equipment in the workplace. There is also a risk of stirring up the dust that has settled and inhaling it.
Plastic Dust Exposure Creates Health Risks for Employees
There are numerous health risks from exposure to plastic processes.
- Numerous studies have linked higher incidences of lung cancer to those exposed to toxins generated from the processing of PVC (a very common plastic used for plumbing).
- Burning plastic can generate deadly dioxins which instantly irritate the lungs causing coughing and shortness of breath. Long term exposure has also been linked to cancer.
- Inhaling plastics dust can cause lesions in the lungs which may cause or complicate more severe diseases of the airway and lungs including cancers of the respiratory system.
- Skin exposure to some plastics may also result in dermatitis causing the skin to be itchy, dry and redden. In some cases, a rash or blisters may develop.
Matrix Systems Supplies DustHog Commercial Dust Collectors for Northern California & Nevada
Matrix provides a variety of DustHog commercial dust collector options, including the C-Series cyclone dust extraction system and the DustHog SFC Series downward flow cartridge dust collection systems. For more information, please give us a call at either (510) 822-5167 for Bay Area customers, or (530) 273-5474 for Sacramento Valley and Northern Nevada area customers, complete our online contact form, or email us at mquinlan@2mxs.com.