The Dangers of Runoff Road Dust Control Chemicals

​Whether you're managing unpaved roadways or large construction sites, road dust control is often part of your planning and operational strategy. The health and safety of your workers and the environment are top priorities when controlling dust. However, there's always a concern about the effects of traditional road dust control chemicals. While they serve a necessary function, these chemicals can sometimes migrate from their intended locations, posing costly risks you can't ignore.

Let's outline the three major ways dust suppression chemicals can unintentionally exit your site and what you can do about it.

1) Over-Spraying During Application

How it Happens
It's easy to get caught up in the application process of road dust control chemicals. Spraying the road's surface isn't always an exact science, and if you're not careful, this can lead to over-spraying. When a roadway or topsoil is oversaturated with chemicals, if it isn't fully absorbed, it can spread into walkways, yards, and even surrounding vegetation.

Dangerous Road Dust Control Chemicals to Watch Out For
Chlorides and lignosulfonates are particularly problematic when over-sprayed. Chlorides easily leach, are corrosive, and are notably toxic to aquatic life. Lignosulfonates, although less corrosive, are also detrimental to nearby water bodies.

2) Leaching and Water Contamination

How it Happens
Even without oversaturation, after applying road dust control chemicals, there's always the risk of them leaching from the road surface into the surrounding soil. Once they migrate from the site, they can spread into the environment, infiltrate groundwater, and even enter nearby waterways.

​Dangerous Road Dust Control Chemicals to Watch Out For
Petroleum-based chemicals are particularly harmful in this scenario. They often contain high levels of heavy metals and other toxic compounds. Chlorides are also a culprit, known for affecting the natural chemistry of soils and water bodies.

3) Natural Events: Heavy Rains and Flooding

How it Happens
Extreme weather conditions like heavy rains and floods can wash these chemicals off of road surfaces, accelerating their spread. This effect is common during rainy seasons or in geographical regions prone to flooding.

Dangerous Road Dust Control Chemicals to Watch Out For
In the case of natural events, all road dust control chemicals, including chlorides and petroleum-based products, are prone to being carried away, further complicating environmental efforts.

Devastating Consequences of Spreading Chemicals

When road dust control chemicals spread from the road surface, they can cause serious environmental consequences. Leaching and contamination of water supplies can create long-term damage to aquatic life and even drinking water. On top of that, spreading chemicals often means costly fines for businesses. It's essential that you take all necessary precautions when using these products to minimize their potential for harm.

The Safer Alternative: Polymer-Based Dust Control Products

What if there was a road dust solution that was safe, effective, and didn't involve the risks of traditional chemicals?

Polymer-based road dust control products are just that—a safer alternative for dust control. These polymers bind to the dust particles, making it difficult for them to leave the site. Also, besides being more environmentally friendly, acrylates copolymer products are less toxic to aquatic life, offering a win-win for both your project and the environment.

​Look Beyond Traditional Road Dust Control Chemicals

If you want safe, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting dust control products, acrylic polymer alternatives are the best products for roadways. Our line of acrylic polymer products, like Earth Glue or Envirotac II Rhino Snot, offers a durable and cost-saving solution for all construction and roadway projects.

Contact us to learn more about Envirotac products and how they can help you reduce the costly problems caused by dust.