Many production processes generate airborne emissions—dust, smoke, vapors, or aerosols. Anything that remains in the air is inhaled, spreads throughout the work area, and settles on machines and components. Clean air is therefore not just a matter of occupational safety: it is a factor in productivity and quality.
Clean air has a triple effect: human beings, processes, products
Protecting health: Less polluted air means better working conditions – especially where emissions occur on a permanent basis.
Stabilizing processes: Less deposits and contamination, less cleaning effort, fewer disruptions.
Reducing costs: When pollution levels fall, in the best case scenario the proportion of absenteeism-related complaints also falls – and with it direct and indirect costs.
Absenteeism costs money – and respiratory diseases are a major factor
The BAuA estimates a total of 881.5 million days of incapacity to work for 2024. This results in an economic loss of €134 billion in lost production and €227 billion in lost gross value added.
Within the diagnosis groups, “diseases of the respiratory system” (ICD J00–J99) account for
- 159.2 million days of incapacity to work (18.1%)
- €24.3 billion in lost production
- €41.0 billion in lost gross value added
Important for classification: These BAuA figures show the magnitude of incapacity for work and costs – they do not say that respiratory diseases are caused by poor workplace air to this extent. However, they illustrate why prevention and effective air technology are economically relevant.
Where emissions typically occur
Depending on the industry and process, emissions occur, for example, during:
- Grinding, cutting, milling (fine dust)
- Welding, soldering (smoke/particles)
- Laser and thermal processes (aerosols)
- Chemical/adhesive processes (vapors/VOCs)
- Additive/powder handling (dust, particles)
The source is crucial: extraction before everything spreads
The earlier emissions are captured, the more effective the overall system is. In practice, this means:
1) Capture at the source
Source extraction or enclosure instead of “cleaning the air afterwards.”
2) Appropriate filtration
Particles, smoke, vapors/aerosols require different filter and safety concepts.
3) Maintain long-term effectiveness
Air flow rate, filter condition, and maintenance logic determine the real effect in everyday use.
Quick check: 5 questions that provide immediate clarity
- Where do the emissions originate – and how far do they “travel”?
- Are they captured at the source or only in the room?
- What substances are involved (dust/smoke/vapor/aerosol) – and how fine are they?
- Which goals are most important: health, cleanliness, process stability, protection of sensitive components?
- Is the effectiveness in operation traceable (maintenance, filter status, volume flow)?
Typical effects that companies quickly notice
- Noticeably cleaner work areas (less deposits)
- More stable quality for sensitive products/processes
- Less cleaning and downtime
- Better acceptance within the team (“you can tell the difference”)
Would you like to know how much potential your air technology has?
Then a quick process and emission check is the fastest way to get started: source, collection, filtration, maintenance logic – with clear measures and priorities.
Have your process checked now: Contact – TBH GmbH Filter and extraction systems
- Briefly describe the process(es) + type of emissions
- Photo/sketch of the station (optional)
- Define goal: Health / Cleanliness / Quality / Costs
TBH video: Extraction of pollutants: Clean air protects health & reduces costs
Source reference:
BAuA: Economic costs due to incapacity to work 2024, Table 1 (total values) and Table 2 (diagnosis groups incl. respiratory system).
