There are four necessary conditions for a dust explosion or deflagration:
A combustible dust
The dust is suspended in the air at a high concentration
There is an oxidant (typically atmospheric oxygen)
There is an ignition source[1]
Many materials which are commonly known to oxidise can generate a dust explosion, such as coal, sawdust, and magnesium. However, many otherwise mundane materials can also lead to a dangerous dust cloud such as grain, flour, sugar, powdered milk and pollen . Many powdered metals (such as aluminium and titanium) can form explosive suspensions in air.