Outdated methods of dust control can corrode vehicles, damage infrastructure, and harm fragile ecosystems. Here’s how advanced dust control from Midwest can help.
For municipalities looking to control dust on unpaved roads to businesses trying to protect their workers and industrial infrastructure, dust control is a critical investment. With the right dust control solution, it’s possible for public and private organizations to cut down on airborne dust, provide an easier driving experience for residents and workers, and minimize environmental impact at the same time.
However, not all dust control methods are created equally, and not all are a wise investment for those in the market for an effective solution. While decision-makers may try to keep their budgets on track in the short term by opting for cheaper dust control products — such as calcium chloride — these choices can have cost-intensive consequences down the road.
Dust control with calcium chloride does have some benefits. However, municipalities and businesses should consider how advanced, environmentally-friendly alternatives to calcium chloride can keep their budget on track in the long run and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
The Pros of Calcium Chloride
When calcium chloride appeared on the market, it offered organizations what at first seemed like an affordable and useful alternative to previous dust control methods. By aiding soil compaction and boosting road stability, calcium chloride could provide more benefits than watering and seemed to reduce overall costs.
The Cons of Calcium Chloride
With that said, the long-term use of calcium chloride as a dust control method has revealed serious drawbacks. For example, calcium chloride can cause gradual yet severe damage to the underside of vehicles. The chemical can eat into aluminum and steel, wearing away at breaks, wiring, and other important vehicle components. For businesses that rely on a fleet of trucks to keep operations moving, these effects can become a significant expense.
Additionally, calcium chloride can corrode infrastructure and harm the local environment. When used as a dust suppressant, the chemical can pit concrete — driving up maintenance costs for businesses — and negatively affect ecosystems, leaching into the water supply and harming important plantlife.
Finding a Better Alternative with Midwest
Thankfully, better dust control solutions are available. With the full suite of industrial dust control products available from Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc., public and private organizations can invest in methods that are as effective for their unpaved roads and worksites as they are safe for the environment.
For example, our EnviroKleen synthetic fluid is non-petroleum based and be applied in extreme temperature conditions. It requires no water for application or continued efficacy. Plus, the EnviroKleen line of products has been specifically designed to be as eco-friendly as possible, having been verified through the EPA’s ETV program.
Additionally, Midwest’s EK 35 synthetic fluid is ideal for unpaved roads or worksites that see heavy use. The product uses a natural pitch and rosin modified formulation to secure the surfaces of unpaved roads to eliminate airborne dust, reduce the need for ongoing maintenance, and have as low an impact on the environment as possible.
With more than four decades of experience providing tailor-made dust controls solutions for municipalities and businesses, Midwest has the experience necessary to get dust control right. Whether you’re just looking for a dust control product to apply yourself or you’re in the market for a comprehensive program, the team of dust control experts at Midwest can help.