Air Quality & Dust Control
Air quality and dust control refer to practices and regulations designed to minimize the release of airborne pollutants, especially dust (particulate matter) and hazardous airborne substances to protect workers, nearby communities, and the environment.
Air Quality in Construction
Construction activities like demolition, excavation, grading, and material handling can generate airborne pollutants, including:
•Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5) from dust.
•Silica Dust from cutting or grinding concrete and stone
•Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paint, solvents and fuel
•Diesel Exhaust from equipment
•Asbestos Fibers if disturbing older structures
Why Air Quality and Dust Control Matter
Protects Worker and Public Health
Construction activities can release harmful airborne particles like:
• Silica dust, which can cause lung disease (silicosis)
• Asbestos Fibers, which can lead to cancer
• Diesel Exhaust and VOCs, linked to respiratory and dardiovascular issues
Ensures Regulatory Compliance
• Air quality in construction is tightly regulated by agencies like Air Quality Management District (AQMD), Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC), California Air Resources Board ( CARB), EPA and OSHA
• Prevention of air quality regulation violations (like Rule 403, 1466 or 1166) that may result in stop-work orders, Hefty Fines, Legal Liablity and Project delays.
Protects the Environment
Construction dust and emissions dont just stay on-site, they can
• Travel miles down wind
• Pollute rivers, oceans, and wildlife habitats
• Contribute to smog and climate change
• Proper dust control and lower emission practices help minimize your project’s environmental footprint.
Keeps Projects Moving
When you actively manage air quality:
• You reduce comlaints from neighbors and inspectors
• Avoid violations that can shut down your site.
• Build trust with cities, developers and the community
Ensure your project stays compliant and safe, schedule a consultation today!
How A-Tech Can Help
Regulatory Compliance & Planning
• Prepare and submit Dust Control Plans, Rule 403 Notifications, and Rule 1466 Site-Specific Plans
• Assist with SCAQMD permitting and compliance paperwork
• Identify activities that require air monitoring, VOC screening, or dust suppression
Trained Technicians & Field Support
• Send trained field staff to monitor dust and air quality throughout your project
• Support with daily logs, visual observations, and corrective action recommendations
• Ensure compliance with SCAQMD Rules 403, 1466, and 1166 as well as OSHA standards
Onsite Air Monitoring
• Deploy real-time particulate monitoring (PM10, PM2.5) using calibrated instruments
• Provide VOC monitoring using Photoionization Detectors (PIDs) or Flame Ionization Detectors (FIDs)
• Install perimeter air sensors for projects near sensitive receptors (e.g., schools, homes)
Reporting & Documentation
• Provide detailed reports with monitoring results, exceedances (if any), and mitigation steps
• Handle agency communication and documentation submission to keep your project moving
• Maintain full transparency and traceability for your air quality program
