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You are here: Health Home > Environmental Health > Air Quality > Outdoor Air > Fugitive Dust

Causes of Dust

Dust is made up of tiny, solid particles ("particulate matter") floating in the air. Dust can be generated and released into the air as a direct result of human activities such as:

• Construction

• Land development

• Gravel production

• Mining

• Landscaping

Blowing dust so thick that it's hard to see the mountains would suggest there is a dust problem.

NOTE: Dust particles are illuminated and appear thicker when you are looking towards the sun (typically in the early morning and evening hours).

What Everyone Should Know About Dust (Brochure PDF 237 KB)

Best Management Practices for Controlling Dust (PDF 90 KB)