A lot of today's dust and fume are hazardous to our health if inhaled. Over exposure can lead to long term and also serious medical problems such as occupational asthma or other effects like:
When working with a laser on different materials fumes arise. These are known as Laser Generated Air Contaminants (LGAC).
- Small particles, almost all is respirable. (Particles are mainly below 1 µm in diameter.)
- Particulate which may cause allergic, carcinogenic or toxic effects, e.g chrome and nickel from stainless steel.
- Problems are usually associated with plastics that gives of VOC.
- Most of these have Workplace Exposure Limits according to COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health).