A method of dust abatement, including applying and reapplying to a surface having particulate material a single-phase solution including a water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, at a rate of 0.1 g/m to 6 g/m2, on a dry basis, and suitable solutions for the method optionally including surfactants, plasticizers, tackifying agents, and nanoclays, are disclosed.