Hienopölyä

Hienopölyä is Finnish for fine dust and refers to airborne particles that are small enough to be inhaled. In occupational hygiene the term commonly covers both the inhalable fraction, which can enter the upper airways, and the respirable fraction, which can reach the deepest parts of the lungs. Fine dust originates from a wide range of activities, including cutting, sanding, grinding, drilling and crushing processes, as well as combustion and handling of powders.

Typical sources of hienopölyä include construction materials such as cement and silica-containing rock, wood processing, metalworking, mining, pharmaceuticals and agricultural activities. The composition of fine dust varies and may include mineral dust, metal particles, organic compounds and biological materials. Some dusts pose specific health risks beyond irritation, such as crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and increase the risk of lung cancer, and wood dust, which is associated with nasal cancers and sinus problems.

Health effects depend on the size, composition and exposure duration. Short-term exposure can cause coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, while long-term exposure is linked to chronic respiratory diseases, reduced lung function and cardiovascular effects. Fine dust in ambient air is also a major concern for public health, with fine particles (PM2.5 and smaller) linked to mortality and morbidity in urban populations.

Prevention and control focus on reducing emissions, enclosing or local exhaust ventilating near the source, using wet methods where applicable, applying good housekeeping, and providing appropriate personal protective equipment when exposure cannot be adequately controlled. In Finland, workplace exposure to fine dust is subject to occupational health guidelines, risk assessment requirements and measurement methods established by national authorities.