Why Chlorides Are Poor Dust Control Solutions

Dust is a major concern on construction sites. It creates dangerous conditions for workers and the community. Chloride products are frequently used as popular dust control solutions. Unfortunately, chlorides have many problems and can be costly solutions to dust control. ​

What are Chlorides?
Chloride is a salt-based inorganic compound used to trap dust particles. The most commonly used compounds for dust control are sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. Chlorides absorb moisture from humid air to limit dust. 

Why People Choose Chlorides
Chlorides have been popular dust control solutions for dirt roads due to their low cost and easy application process. Overall, chlorides are a convenient solution for some dust control problems, but they have many limitations in their use.

Corrosion and Chlorides
Corrosion is a naturally occurring process in which a material deteriorates from the chemical interaction with its environment.  When applied to roads, chlorides attract moisture to dampen the dust and hold the dust particles down to reduce blow-off as fugitive dust.  As a salt-based compound, when chlorides mix with moisture, they become highly corrosive to metals. 

Hidden Costs of Corrosion
For dust suppression, chlorides can put valuable metal machinery and vehicles at risk for corrosion. Machine corrosion can lead to unforeseen delays in construction and additional costs and repairs.

Quickly Washed Away
Chlorides are simply a temporary dust control solution. When applied to roadways with moderate usage, chlorides only remain effective for a few months. Chlorides can be easily washed away and can’t withstand the stress of heavy industrial equipment or extreme weather conditions.

Alternatives to Chlorides
Instead of managing the problems caused by chlorides, you should invest in long-term and effective dust control solutions such as Envirotac dust control products. Envirotac products are made of acrylic polymers that interact with soil particles and bind them together, which increases their compression strength and the load-bearing capability of the treated surface. 

Non-Corrosive and Long-lasting
Envirotac products are non-corrosive, environmentally friendly, and can withstand the impact of heavy roadway usage. One application can last for up to 2 years, which will save you the time and expense of the reapplication process. 

Cost-Effective Dust Control Solutions with Envirotac
At Environmental Products & Applications, we strive to manufacture the highest performance polymers in the soil stabilization, erosion, and dust control field. Envirotac dust control products reduce dust levels of unpaved roads and deliver clients the maximum value of their investment. 

Contact us to find out how our products can help you reduce the costly problems caused by dust.