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Methods to assess and control dusting and linting in the paper industry: a review

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Abstract

Paper dusting has recently been recognized as a significant issue in the hygiene tissue industry. This review considers the factors that may contribute to dusting and linting, as well as the challenges of evaluating dusting propensity. Examining both the paper and textile industries, several methods of dusting and linting assessment exist. This review describes the equipment, methodologies, targeted paper grades or materials, advantages, and disadvantages. Standards (if applicable) are also covered for each of the major methods. These existing methods were found to have various drawbacks, suggesting a need for an improved, standardized method and device. In conclusion, and to motivate future research, mechanisms of dust release are reviewed along with existing and possible solutions to combat the tissue-dusting problem. This paper outlines the importance of creating a repeatable, standard, and accurate testing procedure and methodology for dust particle characterization in the hygiene tissue industry.

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adapted from Campbell et al. [4]

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All data included in this paper is publicly accessible and can be found in its respective reference.

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Funding

This research was supported by the USDA National Needs Fellowship Program, Grant 12513354, project NCZ09489, “Developing Expertise in Risk Analysis and Risk Management for the Bioeconomy.”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tissue Pack Innovation Lab, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA

    Ryen Frazier, Franklin Zambrano, Joel J. Pawlak & Ronalds Gonzalez

Authors
  1. Ryen Frazier
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  2. Franklin Zambrano
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  3. Joel J. Pawlak
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  4. Ronalds Gonzalez
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Joel J. Pawlak or Ronalds Gonzalez.

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The authors did no tests on humans or animals to write this work. The study on the effect of cellulose dust rat lungs was cited from an article in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study was done at the National Institute of Occupational Health in Budapest, Hungary.

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Frazier, R., Zambrano, F., Pawlak, J.J. et al. Methods to assess and control dusting and linting in the paper industry: a review. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 119, 5511–5528 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-08482-5

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