Dust is a major factor affecting air quality, both outdoors and in.  Dust can also be referred to as particle pollution.  ARAQMD is charged with ensuring compliance with outdoor fugitive dust regulations.

Fugitive dust is airborne particulate matter (PM) that has been emitted from any source by means other than a stack (a chimney, flue, conduit or duct). Man-made sources of fugitive dust include unpaved roads and lots, uncovered storage piles, construction sites, farmland, asphalt and concrete plants, quarries, etc. Fugitive dust can be composed of acids (i.e. nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, and allergens. The state of Ohio has the following rules regulating fugitive dust pollution:

Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3745-17-07(B) — visible particulate emission limitations for fugitive dust

OAC 3745-17-08 — restriction of emission of fugitive dust

OAC 3745-15-07 — air pollution nuisances prohibited

See particulate matter for more information about the health effects of fugitive dust.

Page reviewed 2-25-22.