You’ll Learn in This Guide
- What fugitive dust emissions are and their impact on health and compliance.
- Key sensor categories: gravimetric, beta-effect, chemical analysis, optical particle sensors, lidar, and monitoring networks.
- Advantages, limitations, and real-world costs of each approach.
- How to choose the right solution for your industrial site.
- Best practices to reduce risks and avoid unnecessary costs.
Who Is This Guide For?
This guide is designed for:
- Environmental and HSE managers.
- Industrial operators in mining, construction, ports, and energy.
- Consultants and compliance teams ensuring air quality standards.
Technical level
No advanced technical background required, everything is explained in plain language..
Key Insights from the Guide
- Lidar systems can cover an area equivalent to 70,000 fixed sensors.
- Regulatory-approved sensors cost $65–70K; low-cost sensors under $500 exist but have performance limits.
- Optical scattering sensors provide affordable, real-time monitoring of PM2.5 and PM10.
- Poor detection can cause shutdowns, lawsuits, and productivity losses in the hundreds of thousands per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fugitive dust emissions?
Fugitive dust emissions are airborne particles released unintentionally from activities like mining, construction, ports, or road traffic. They escape containment systems and spread into surrounding areas, affecting air quality and compliance obligations.
Why monitor fugitive dust?
Because dust particles impact health, contaminate soil and water, and can trigger fines or lawsuits. Monitoring ensures compliance, protects communities, and safeguards your license to operate.
Which sensors are commonly used?
Options include gravimetric sensors, beta-effect sensors, chemical analysis devices, optical particle sensors, optical imaging, lidar, and monitoring networks.
How do optical sensors work?
They use lasers or LEDs to measure how particles scatter or absorb light. They deliver real-time data on particle size and concentration at an affordable cost.
What are the financial risks of poor monitoring?
They include regulatory fines, lawsuits, reputational damage, and forced shutdowns — potentially costing hundreds of thousands per year in lost productivity or fees.
