Health Risks of Poor Indoor Air Quality from Oil Smoke and Mist
The health consequences of oil smoke and mist can be much broader than expected. Oil smoke is an ultrafine particle, often less than a micron in diameter. The small size of the particle means that it is hard to remove, can stay in the air for days, and can penetrate deep into the lungs. Submicron particles will even transfer through your lungs into your bloodstream. The effects of not capturing oil smoke can also extend to slips and falls once the particles settle onto the floor and other surfaces.
The smaller the size of the particle, the more it affects your health. Particles less than ten microns pose the greatest threat. Many oil smoke particles are under one micron, so capturing them is very important. Exposure to these types of particles will affect your respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Direct Risks from Inhalation of Oil smoke and mist:
- Respiratory Risks – Exposure to submicron particles can cause aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, irritation to the airways, coughing, difficulty breathing, and premature death in people with lung disease.
- Some respiratory risks associated with long-term exposure to oil smoke and mist are bronchial asthma, lipoid pneumonia, rhinitis, bronchitis, lung fibrosis, lung cancer, and other problems. High concentration exposure, even for a short time, can cause shortness of breath or a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach.
- Cardiovascular Risks – Exposure to submicron particles can also affect your heart, possibly causing irregular heartbeats, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death in people with heart diseases.
- The ultrafine particles in oil smoke can transfer from your lungs into your bloodstream, which can cause several different conditions. High concentrations of oil mist or smoke can also cause a rapid heartbeat.
- Other Risks – High concentration and short-term exposure can cause eye and skin irritation, fever, and vomiting. Long-term exposure to oil smoke and mists can cause contact dermatitis or photosensitive allergic dermatitis.
Indirect Risks from Oil smoke and mist:
- Slips and Falls – Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries. Not capturing oil smoke or mist will drastically increase the likelihood of slips and falls as it settles onto the floor and other surfaces.
- Reduced Visibility – If there is a large amount of particulate matter in the air, it will lead to reduced visibility in the workplace, which can be a contributing factor to many types of workplace accidents.
The many health risks associated with oil smoke and mist make it essential to properly contain, filter, or ventilate your workplace. Maintaining a clean work environment reduces health risks and increases productivity and employee morale.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm