What is dust testing and analysis?

Dust testing and analysis involves evaluating the composition, particle size and behavior of dust in a facility to understand potential health, safety and operational risks. Laboratory testing is a core component and may include combustibility testing to determine Kst and Pmax values, particle size analysis to understand how dust behaves in the airstream, composition analysis to identify toxic or regulated materials, and bulk density and moisture content evaluation. Together, these tests reveal whether dust presents hazards such as toxicity, explosibility or problematic accumulation — and at what levels. With this data, facilities can make informed decisions about ventilation, filtration and dust control strategies, and ensure those decisions are grounded in actual material characteristics rather than assumptions.