What can excessive dust cause?

According to the Department of Health of Government of Western Australia, or Healthy WA, inhaling high amounts of dust for many years can contribute to development of chronic bronchitis, and lung and heart disorders. Inhalation of dust can also cause irritation of the eyes, coughing, sneezing, hay fever and asthma attacks.

Healthy WA states that the toxicity of dust particles depends on their size and type. However, the concentrations of dust in the air and the duration of exposure to the dust mostly determines the harm it can cause. Infants, children and the elderly are at the greatest risk of developing health problems from exposure to excessive amounts of dust.