Dust is generated during the crushing process of solid materials. For example, a large amount of dust will be generated during operations such as sand spreading, grinding, crushing, and polishing. The smaller the dust particle, the longer it stays in the air and the more likely it is to be inhaled by the human body. Dust smaller than 5 μm is called respirable dust. After such dust enters the nasal cavity, it can directly enter the alveoli and accumulate in the alveoli. Over time, it will destroy the ventilation function of the alveoli and lead to various pneumoconiosis diseases. These pneumoconiosis diseases are generally difficult to cure and bring great pain to patients' daily work and life. There are two ways to protect against dust hazards: engineering management and personal protection. Personal protection is what is commonly known as wearing a dust mask.

There are three principles for choosing dust masks:
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The first is that the dust blocking efficiency of the mask should be high. The dust-blocking efficiency of a mask is based on its dust-blocking efficiency against fine dust, especially respirable dust below 5 μm. The dust-blocking principle of general gauze masks is mechanical filtration, that is, when dust hits the gauze, it passes through layers of barriers to block some large particles of dust in the gauze. However, fine dust, especially dust smaller than 5 μm, will pass through the mesh of the gauze and enter the respiratory system. There are some dust masks on the market now. The filter material is composed of fibers charged with permanent static electricity. When respiratory dust smaller than 5 μm passes through this filter material, it will be attracted by static electricity and adsorbed on the filter material. In terms of materials, it really plays a role in preventing dust.
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The second is that the mask fits the face shape better. When the mask does not fit tightly with the person's face, dust in the air will enter the respiratory tract from the gaps around the mask. Therefore, people should choose a dust mask that suits their face shape and wear it correctly.
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The third is to be comfortable to wear. These include small breathing resistance, light weight, hygienic wearing, and easy maintenance, such as wearing an arched dust mask.