However, there are no specific general standards like IP and NEMA for particulate matter generated by normal wear and tear of a product. Protection from particulate matter created by wear and tear will take some creative investigation and is usually 'specified' in a Quality Assurance program for the product.

Examples of Particulate matter caused product failures:

• Disabled-assisted devices (e.g., motorized wheel chair, lifts) used in a sawmill or outside in dry, windy climates may eventually become mechanically inoperable without periodic maintenance.
• Food and drug containers with loose-fitting housings can cause contamination of the content before it's "use by" date is reached.
• Ill-fitting seals on rotating shafts and bearings will cause the lubricant to become contaminated and ineffective.
• Small electromechanical components, if assembled in a particulate environment, may carry contamination into the main product.
• Smoke and dust can collect around electronic components and, at certain humidity levels, will create a dielectric breakdown between two circuits - causing a short.
• During Desert Storm M1 tanks became immobilized due to the amount of sand drawn into the engine filters causing 'unplanned' battlefield retrofitting and maintenance.
• Office printers creating paper dust in offices can interfere with computer disk drives and printer mechanisms and clog the filters and bearings of computer cooling fans.