6 Benefits of an Effective Dust Control Program

There are almost 2 million miles of unpaved roads in the U.S., and 365,000 miles more in Canada. An effective dust control program is essential to keeping these roads drivable and safe, and when implemented, can offer numerous benefits, including:

1. Better Roads. When dust is present, so is deterioration. Dust’s fine particles are not able to serve as binding agents to hold road surfaces together. The result is exposed and unstable aggregate that erodes with every passing car or rain storm, producing ruts and potholes. Dust suppressants attract moisture from the air which binds fine particles and aggregate so roads remain packed hard, durable, smooth and most importantly, safe.   

2. Lower Maintenance Costs. Better roads means less need for repairs, and that means cost savings in labor and materials. That’s a big deal considering taxpayers’ demand for quality roads when budgets for maintenance and improvements are typically tight. Effective dust control can reduce the overall cost of keeping unpaved roads in acceptable condition by as much as 30%.   

3. Improved Safety. Road dust can impair visibility, cause a reduction in traction, and extend stopping distances as tires fight to grip the loose dirt or gravel. Vehicles can lose control or kick up particles that endanger other drivers and people in the area. Controlling the dust improves these conditions and thus the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike.

4. Reduced Vehicle Damage. Nobody likes having their car get all dusty and dirty, but that’s just a surface problem. Unpaved roads left untreated can result in far worse, including windshield damage, chipped paint, and even suspension, steering and long-term wear and tear issues. Controlling dust reduces damage to your vehicle and the cost such damage can incur.

5. Protection for the Environment. By controlling dust, fine particles are prevented from becoming airborne and causing health issues or damaging crops and vegetation. Dust suppressants also keep these particles from reaching streams and waterways where they can develop sediment levels dangerous to aquatic life.   

6. Improved Health and Quality of Life. A reduction in airborne dust particles means you’re breathing fresher air and thus are less likely to experience respiratory and other health problems related to dust inhalation. This, in turn, allows for a higher quality of life.

OxyChem Calcium Chloride has a 100-year proven track record of dust control performance, improving the lives of those who live on or travel the miles of unpaved roads in North America. Learn more about what an effective dust control program can do for you and your community by checking out our benefit analysis tool or by contacting us at 888-293-2336 today.