What method is most effective for controlling air pollution from dust in construction?

The use of water as a control measure is particularly effective for controlling air pollution from dust in construction environments. Water can help to suppress dust particles by adding moisture to the ground or material, preventing dust from becoming airborne. This method works effectively in areas where construction activities generate significant dust, as moist surfaces are less likely to allow fine particles to lift into the air.

Incorporating water as a control measure is a straightforward, cost-effective strategy that can be easily implemented on job sites. Regularly spraying water on roads, stockpiles, and construction areas minimizes dust emissions, benefiting not just the construction workers but also the surrounding community by reducing air quality issues.

While other methods, such as using dust collectors, air filters, or restricting work hours under windy conditions, can contribute to reducing dust, they may not be as universally applicable or immediate in their effectiveness as water. Dust collectors and air filters typically address dust that is already airborne, which may not provide the proactive, front-line defense that wet suppression offers. Limiting work hours can be difficult to enforce and does not entirely eliminate the hazard. Thus, water application stands out as the most effective control method in construction settings concerning dust pollution.