“Dust in the workplace can create significant problems that impact operational efficiency, impair visibility, and increase accident risk,” the Pennsylvania company said.

“Dust also can have detrimental effects on the health of workers and the environment.

“To address these issues, companies in industries such as mining, pit and quarry, and transportation use dust control measures, which are continuous and costly activities that require large amounts of water on a regular basis.

“Thus, the excessive consumption of water as well as the potential harmful impact of dust suppressant products has created environmental concerns in this area.”

Quaker said it developed Dustgrip, which was ideal for several applications including longwalls, crushers, conveyors, stockpiles, mine haul roads, unpaved roads, rail cars and pits and quarries, because of increasing pressure from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency for mines to make suppression improvements.

Dustgrip, which is available through the company, suppresses dust and also helps operations manage resources and tackle environmental issues such as water.

“The product's cumulative effect can help reduce water consumption and reduce labor and equipment costs,” Quaker officials said of the non-corrosive product.

“The ability to use Dustgrip with existing spray equipment means that post-application rinsing of equipment is not required,” they said, adding the Dustgrip Turbo product could reduce the total water volume consumed for dust suppression.

Other benefits include its non-toxic nature and corrosion protection, which creates value by helping to extend the component lifespans, such as solenoids and water sprays.

“Dust is not only bad for mineworkers' health, but it can also be a source of fuel should there be a fire or explosion in the mine,” Quaker development chemist Anthony Mallow said.

“The reduction of dust is of significant value to customers."