The authors undertook an evaluation of the effectiveness of dust suppression products. The evaluation comprised: (a) a world-wide literature review to gain an appreciation of the various methods used to control fugitive dust and to collate data from trials of dust suppressants; and (b) a survey by questionnaire of over 650 Australian and New Zealand road agencies to collect information from their experiences with any dust suppressant used and how they rated the performance and cost-effectiveness of dust suppressant products. Appropriate construction and maintenance methods were found to significantly reduce dust emissions and should first be applied before consideration of chemical dust suppressants. The literature review revealed a wide range of techniques to suppress dust including various dust suppressant products. Survey data show that users of chloride-based dust suppressants consider this type to be the most cost effective. Organic non-bituminous and electrochemical dust suppressants were judged by users to be the least cost-effective products. The expectation by users of the period of effectiveness of dust suppressants, was approximately double that actually achieved. (a).
Abstract