The DPA has been specifically developed in conjunction with major chemical manufacturers to analyse the dusting characteristics of powders and to provide a value so that this can be compared and evaluated.

In all work with solid dyestuffs and powders in general the production of dust is to be expected. The amount of dust produced will depend on both handling such as metering, transferring, sprinkling etc and the physical characteristics of the product. When dust is produced in the same way the amount released is a characteristic quality feature of the product itself.