Burning Seed: Dust Risk

Assessment and Harm

Mitigation
OVERVIEW
Burning Seed in 2019 experienced a large amount of airborne
particulate matter. Many people were injured and made sick by this.
The particulate matter was so fine that it easily made its way through
ordinary materials such as scarves and low grade particulate filters.
There was no mention of dust in the survival guide, and as such many
were caught out by it. This article's goal is to provide advice and
information to help people make safer choices and avoid harm.

Particulates
A particulate is a very small piece of matter. It is unclear as to what the
exact composition of the dust at the Matong site is, however it can be
safely assumed that it contains a large percentage of silica. It may also
have included airborne particles of fertiliser, pesticides and animal
byproducts from neighbouring farms. Dry conditions and large amounts
of human activity were undoubtedly responsible for the dusty
conditions. The inhalation of any particle is unhealthy, with inhalation
of silica being associated with fibrosis of the lungs- an incurable
condition resulting in lung scarification which permanently decreases a
persons lung capacity. Inhaling dust can very rapidly overload a persons
natural immune system, leading to greater susceptibility to illness,
which can be quite dangerous when in a crowd of very diverse people
from all around the globe. Children are at particular risk as a result of a
less developed respiratory system- meaning less filtration before
particles enter their lungs. The human body is quite adept at removing
foreign particles, but it is the damage they do on their way out which is
cause for concern. There is enough evidence post-event to assess that
the dust is not benign, with many falling ill, and some ending up in
hospital.

Personal Experience
This year, I was thankfully equipped with a P3 level respirator filter and
a military grade gas mask. I kept a purpose made "sock" made of fine
material over the filter. This type of "sock" is currently used by the
Russian military to extend the service life of their filter cartridges by
stopping most particulate contaminants that would prematurely block
the filter, it came with the gas mask. The filter cartridge I used is quite
heavy, so I kept it in a bag made of heavy cotton and breathed through
it with a hose attatched to my face mask.

Despite these additional barriers, dust was easily able to penetrate

both layers of cloth material before being caught in the P3 filter. Upon
returning home, the filter interior was completely caked with red dust
particles. It is therefore very safe to say that scarves, shemaghs and
possibly even low grade dust masks are not going to be sufficient at
providing complete protection for your respiratory system.

Respirator Selection
Selecting an adequite respirator is based upon personal choice and
what types of filters are readily available. It's better to spend more
money and acquire a decent mask that will far outlast poorer quality
ones. After all, in life off the paddock you never know when you may
need to do some emergency mold removal, shelter from tear gas
during the climate riots, do a bit of spraypainting or bravely leave your
shelter in search of supplies during the nuclear armagedon. "He who
buys cheap, buys twice" is an Eastern European saying. It is wise to
acquire a respirator with a speach diaphragm to facilitate good
communications- it sucks to take off your mask every time someone
asks you to clarify what you are trying to say. Half-face respirators like
the one below are very good for a warm environment, but you may
have trouble finding replacement filters that fit as they are all slightly
different to keep you buying from the same supplier- capitalism, right?
In addition, they have a design flaw which is a single exhale valve,
located on the front. If this exhale valve becomes blocked, it will not
efficiently close, allowing contaminated air to be breathed in. This must
be carefully monitored. The model below is equipped with high grade
P3 level filters.
Military grade masks are economical, have shatter-proof eye pieces,
voice diaphragms as well as liquid intake systems that can be used for
various recreational purposes. Most accept a 40mm filter, commonly
available on the market. They can however be uncomfortable for a
warm environment. Most feature a double exhale valve. It is not
recommended to use the filters that come with these masks unless
adequite documentation is available as to what level of protection they
provide.
Paper masks, like the one pictured underneath are disposable and of
dubious efficiency, but they are cheap and better than nothing at all.
They are very lightweight, but achieving a proper face seal may be
dificult and they do not have an exhale valve, meaning you'll be
breathing your own humid exhalations. Lovely.

Masks with interchangeable filters are the best option. Whilst most
masks on the market have propriety filters which are hard and
expensive to replace, it is possible to acquire a mask with a 40mm filter
connection online. This ends up being the most economical option, as
explained in the next section. Most masks come with filters, but you
may as well be cosplaying if you are wearing filters unsuitable for the
conditions.

A mask is entirely useless unless it is well fitted. When worn, you should
be able to block the filters with your hands and breath inwards
resulting in the mask sucking onto your face. If you can feel any airgaps,
adjust the mask until it retains a proper face seal. Facial hair can be an
obstruction to this. You should always check for proper face seal upon
putting on the mask.
A mask can be washed with water after removing the filters. Avoid
using harsh solvents like methylated spirits as these can damage the
material. Wet wipes are a good option for this out in the field.

Filter Selection

The right filter must be used in the right environment. At Burning Seed,
we are primarily concerned with particulate hazards. This is the "P"
rating on a filter. Filter standards and naming conventions change
depending on the country of origin, in general though P1 is the lowest
level of protection, P2 is medium level and P3 is the highest level of
filtration. Any additional letters and numbers on the filter rating relate
to the filtration of toxic gases and vapours. A particle filter can be
breathed through until it is completely blocked up, at which point it
must be changed.

The advantage of 40mm filters is that they are easily and cheaply
acquired online. Expired filters can still be used, as the particulate filter
section is not affected by age if stored in good condition, but they
should not be used around vapours and gases.

Read the documentation if possible with every purchase of filters.

Never expose the filter to water, as this will ruin the layer of activated
charcoal.

Additional Steps
It's good practice to avoid camping around areas that have potential for
dust generation. The lack of ground cover on site makes this tricky.
Some theme camps have mitigated dust by laying down mats. It's good
practice to remove any exceptionally dusty clothes before entering
your shelter for the night, as sleep results in deep breathing. Always
breathe through your nose and not your mouth, as your nose offers a
degree of filtration. Be mindful of your actions and avoid raising dust
where possible.

Do not under any circumstances partake in deep breathing excersises

whilst out in the field, particles inhaled deeper into your lungs will have
a much harder time getting out - if ever- and cause more damage.

When decontaminating post-event, be careful and unpack and clean

your items outside with good ventilation. It's a good idea to utilise
items made from materials which are easily washable, to be able to
simply hose off post event.

The best way to estimate particulate concentration in a given area is

with a very bright light. You can use this to illuminate the airborne
particulates to determine the hazard level.

Further Bullshit
All information in this guide is gained through hard experience. God
looks after those who look after themselves.