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The ASTM dust standards are a set of guidelines established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) that aim to regulate the levels of dust particles in various environments. These standards are used to ensure that the air quality in different settings meets the minimum requirements necessary for human health and safety. In South Africa, these standards are especially important given the country’s history of mining and other industrial activities that have contributed to high levels of dust pollution in many regions.

South Africa is a country with a diverse landscape and a rich mineral endowment, which has led to the development of various industries that rely on mining, manufacturing, and other activities that can generate dust particles. The airborne dust particles can pose significant health risks to people, including respiratory problems, lung diseases, and even cancer. Therefore, the South African government has established various measures to ensure that the levels of dust particles in the air are controlled and regulated.

One of the most important measures that the South African government has taken to control dust pollution is to establish regulations based on the ASTM dust standards. These standards provide guidance on the acceptable levels of dust particles in various settings, including industrial areas, residential areas, and commercial areas. In addition, the standards provide guidelines on the methods used to measure the concentration of dust particles in the air.

The ASTM dust standards are particularly important in South Africa because the country has a high prevalence of respiratory diseases, especially in regions where mining activities are prevalent. The dust particles generated during mining activities, particularly in the extraction and processing of minerals, can be especially harmful. Therefore, the government has established strict regulations to ensure that mining companies comply with the ASTM dust standards.

To ensure compliance with the ASTM: D1739-98 (2017) standard, it is recommended that the sampling sites be situated in an open area without any structures exceeding 1m within a 20m radius of the container stand. Additionally, the location should be distant from local sources of pollution and any objects that could potentially interfere with the settling of particulate matter, such as trees, air exhausts, and intakes.

The aspect of the method that receives the most discussion is the design of the stand. According to ASTM D1739: 1970, the holder must not obstruct the functioning of the collector and a bird ring must be included, as shown in Figure 1. Additionally, the top of the container must be at least 8 feet (2.4m) above the ground. However, the newer version of the standard, ASTM D1739: 98 (2010), specifies that the top of the container should be 2m above the ground and a wind shield should be included.