dustsized

Dustsized is an informal, descriptive term used to refer to particles whose dimensions are on the order of dust. In scientific and industrial contexts it generally describes particulate matter roughly from about 1 micrometer up to 100 micrometers in size. Within this range, sub-micrometer and fine particles are often described as respirable or inhalable dust, while larger end of the range may be referred to as coarse dust. The exact bounds can vary with context, measurement method, and regulatory guidance.

Particles in the dust size range exhibit high surface area relative to their volume and can behave differently in airflow, adhesion, filtration, and handling compared with larger grains. They are produced by processes such as grinding, milling, crushing, atomization, or weathering, and their size distribution is a key parameter in material selection and process design. Measurement methods include sieve analysis for coarser fractions and laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering, or electron microscopy for finer fractions.

Applications and relevance span multiple industries. Dust-sized powders appear in pharmaceuticals (inhalers and dry powders), metallurgy (powder metallurgy and coatings), agriculture (dust-based formulations), and consumer products. Health and safety considerations are important because small particles can be inhaled and deposited in the respiratory tract, prompting the use of appropriate ventilation, filtration, and protective equipment.

Etymology: the term "dust-sized" is a descriptive label rather than a formal scientific category. See also particulate matter, aerosols, and powder technology.