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PubMed1999

Comparison of two carbon analysis methods for monitoring diesel particulate levels in mines.

Two carbon analysis methods are currently being applied to the occupational monitoring of diesel particulate matter. Both methods are based on thermal techniques for the determination of organic and elemental carbon. In Germany, method ZH 1/120.44 has been published. This method, or a variation of it, is being used for compliance measurements in several European countries, and a Comité Européen de Normalization Working Group was formed recently to address the establishment of a European measurement standard. In the USA, a 'thermal-optical' method has been published as Method 5040 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. As with ZH 1/120.44, organic and elemental carbon are determined through temperature and atmosphere control, but different instrumentation and analysis conditions are used. Although the two methods are similar in principle, they gave statistically different results in a previous interlaboratory comparison. Because different instruments and operating conditions are used, between-method differences can be expected in some cases. Reasonable agreement is expected when the sample contains no other (i.e., non-diesel) sources of carbonaceous particulate and the organic fraction is essentially removed below about 500 degrees C. Airborne particulate samples from some mines may meet these criteria. Comparison data on samples from mines are important because the methods are being applied in this workplace for occupational monitoring and epidemiological studies. In this paper, results of a recent comparison on samples collected in a Canadian mine are reported. As seen in a previous comparison, there was good agreement between the total carbon results found by the two methods, with ZH 1/120.44 giving about 6% less carbon than Method 5040. Differences in the organic and elemental carbon results were again seen, but they were much smaller than those obtained in the previous comparison. The relatively small differences in the split between organic and elemental carbon are attributed to the different thermal programs used.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1999

A risk assessment for exposure to grunerite asbestos (amosite) in an iron ore mine.

The potential for health risks to humans exposed to the asbestos minerals continues to be a public health concern. Although the production and use of the commercial amphibole asbestos minerals-grunerite (amosite) and riebeckite (crocidolite)-have been almost completely eliminated from world commerce, special opportunities for potentially significant exposures remain. Commercially viable deposits of grunerite asbestos are very rare, but it can occur as a gangue mineral in a limited part of a mine otherwise thought asbestos-free. This report describes such a situation, in which a very localized seam of grunerite asbestos was identified in an iron ore mine. The geological occurrence of the seam in the ore body is described, as well as the mineralogical character of the grunerite asbestos. The most relevant epidemiological studies of workers exposed to grunerite asbestos are used to gauge the hazards associated with the inhalation of this fibrous mineral. Both analytical transmission electron microscopy and phase-contrast optical microscopy were used to quantify the fibers present in the air during mining in the area with outcroppings of grunerite asbestos. Analytical transmission electron microscopy and continuous-scan x-ray diffraction were used to determine the type of asbestos fiber present. Knowing the level of the miner's exposures, we carried out a risk assessment by using a model developed for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Asbestos, Amosite↗
PubMed2004

Determinants of work injuries in mines - an application of structural equation modelling.

In spite of stringent regulations and much attention towards reducing risks in the physical environment, the mining industry continues to be associated with high levels of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Only engineering solutions to accident prevention are inappropriate unless coupled with focused attention to the attitudes and behaviours of the mineworkers in coping with the inherent physical, technical and situational risks. The present study identified these various risk factors and analysed their influences on work injury in a causal framework. Data were collected from an underground coalmine of India. The pattern and strength of relationships of 16 causal factors with work injuries were assessed through structural equation modelling. The case study results showed that negatively personified individuals are of major concern for safety improvement in the mine studied. They not only fail to avoid work injuries, they are unable to extend safe work behaviours in their work. The variable safety environment is negatively affected by personality, whereas social support has a positive relationship with safety environment. The variable job hazards appeared to have a significant relationship with job involvement, which has a negative relationship with work injury. Elimination of negative behaviours must be focused and committed by the mine safety management. Long term planning through (i) identification of negative individuals, (ii) proper councelling of adverse effects of negative behaviours, and (iii) special training with psychological treatment is highly required. Identification may begin while recruiting new workers through interview. Proper allocation of jobs (right person for right job) may be a judicial solution to this end.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1975

Size distribution of radon daughter particles in uranium mine atmospheres.

The size distribution of radon daughters was measured in several uranium mines using four compact diffusion batteries and a round jet cascade impactor. Simultaneously, measurements were made of uncombined fractions of radon daughters, radon concentration, working level and particle concentration. The size distributions found for radon daughters were log normal. The activity median diameters ranged from 0.09 mum to 0.3 mum with a mean value of 0.17 mum. Geometric standard deviations were in the range from 1.3 to 4 with a mean value of 2.7. Uncombined fractions expressed in accordance with the ICRP definition ranged from 0.004 to 0.16 with a mean value of 0.04. The radon daughter sizes in these mines are greater than the sizes assumed by various authors in calculating respiratory tract dose. The disparity may reflect the widening use of diesel-powered equipment in large uranium mines.

Aerosols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lead bioavailability in the environment of children: blood lead levels in children can be elevated in a mining community.

Lower blood lead averages in mining communities, compared with other child exposure settings, e.g., innercity areas of the United States and smelter communities, have been attributed to lower bioavailability of lead to children in the mining areas. Direct supporting evidence of the lower bioavailability has, however, generally been lacking. Elevated blood lead levels for approximately 85% of children with > 10 micrograms/dl have been reported from the Broken Hill mining community in Australia. Lead isotope, optical, and scanning electron microscope analyses on the lead species from soils and dusts show them to be derived mainly from weathered ore body material. Solubility tests using 0.1M HCl on the -53 + 38 microns fraction of soil and dust show the lead species to have a high degree of bioavailability. Ingestion of soil and dust, either directly or via mouthing activity, is the main source and pathway for elevated blood lead in children from this community.

Australia↗
PubMed1994

The energy cost of metalliferous mining operations in relation to the aerobic capacity of Indian miners.

Mining in India is still relatively unmechanized, and in the hot, humid, and noisy environment with uncomfortable postures, many work operations impose a considerable physiological strain. The physical characteristics, including aerobic capacities, of 54 workers in an Indian metalliferous mine have been studied, and their energy expenditures measured during long periods of work in different tasks. The mean VO2max was 2.32 +/- 0.6 l/min and the mean body mass was 60 +/- 4 kg. Averaged energy expenditures for different tasks ranged between 9.4 and 22.8 kJ/min and were usually more than 33% of the workers' maximal work capacity. Recommendations about reducing the stress of mining work are made.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2006

Effect of coal mine soil contamination on the elemental uptake and distribution in two edible Amaranthus species, A. dubius and A. hybridus.

The impact of coal mine dump contaminated soil on the elemental uptake by two edible plants, namely, Amaranthus dubius (red herbs) and Amaranthus hybridus (green herbs), was studied by investigating their response and ability to tolerate and accumulate varying levels of elements in their roots and shoots. The vegetation was grown on varying amounts of contaminated soil, viz. 0%, 5%, 15%, 25% w/w using coal mine dump soil. The soil was analyzed for soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic matter (SOM), moisture content, and selected heavy metals. The distribution of six metals, namely, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni, Mn, and Fe, in roots, stem, and leaves of the plants was determined in two stages of growth after 5 weeks and 10 weeks. All soil and plant samples were microwave digested and subjected to heavy metal analysis using the ICP-OES, GFAAS, and CVAAS. The pH of the coal mine dump contaminated soil decreased with an increase in contamination. Both the SOM and CEC values decreased, which increases the availability of elements, by providing more binding sites in the soil. Relatively, the red herbs had higher elemental concentrations than the green herbs. Both plants recorded high manganese accumulation. No mercury was detected in the soils or plants.

Amaranthus↗
PubMed2006

A review of scientific literature examining the mining history, geology, mineralogy, and amphibole asbestos health effects of the Rainy Creek igneous complex, Libby, Montana, USA.

This article reviews the past 90 yr of scientific research directed on multiple aspects of the unique geology and environmental health issues surrounding the vermiculite deposit found at Libby, MT. Hydrothermal alteration and extensive weathering of the ultramafic units resulted in the formation of a rich deposit of vermiculite that was mined for 67 yr and used in numerous consumer products in its expanded form. Later intrusions of alkaline units caused hydrothermal alteration of the pyroxenes, resulting in formation of amphiboles. Some of these amphiboles occur in the asbestiform habit and have been associated with pulmonary disease in former miners and mill workers. Identification of these amphibole asbestos minerals has received little attention in the past, but recent work shows that the majority of the amphibole mineral species present may not be any of the amphibole species currently regulated by government agencies. Epidemiological studies on former miners have, nevertheless, shown that the amphibole asbestos from the Rainy Creek igneous complex is harmful; also, a recent study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry shows that residents of Libby who had not been employed in the vermiculite mining or milling operations also appear to have developed asbestos-related pulmonary diseases at a higher rate than the general public elsewhere. Since November 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been involved in the cleanup of asbestos-contaminated sites in and around Libby associated with the mining and processing of vermiculite.

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed2003

Remediation of coal mining wastewaters using chitosan microspheres.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of chitosan and chitosan/poly(vinylalcohol) microspheres incorporating with tetrasulphonated copper (II) phthalocyanine (CTS/PVA/TCP) in the remediation of coal mining wastewaters. The process was monitored by toxicity tests both before and after adsorption treatments with chitosan and microspheres. Physicochemical parameters, including pH and trace-metal concentration, as well as bioindicators of water pollution were used to that end. Wastewater samples colleted from drainage of underground coal mines, decantation pools, and contaminated rivers were scrutinized. Acute toxicity tests were performed using the Brine Shrimp Test (BST) in order to evaluate the remediation efficiency of different treatments. The results showed that the pH of treated wastewater samples were improved to values close to neutrality. Chitosan treatments were also effective in removing trace-metals. Pre-treatment with chitosan followed by microsphere treatment (CTS/PVA/TCP) was more effective in decreasing toxicity than the treatment using only chitosan. This was probably due to the elimination of pollutants other than trace-metals. Thus, the use of chitosan and microspheres is an adequate alternative towards remediation of water pollution from coal mining.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

General health status of residents of the Selebi Phikwe Ni-Cu mine area, Botswana.

Residents of the Selebi Phikwe area, Botswana where nickel-copper (Ni-Cu) is being exploited often exhibit symptoms of varied degrees of ailments, sicknesses and diseases. A need to investigate their general health status was therefore eminent. Primary data was obtained by means of a questionnaire and structured interviews conducted with individuals, health service providers, business enterprises and educational Institutions. The generated data revealed common ailments, sicknesses and diseases in the area with the four most frequent health complaints being frequent coughing headaches, influenza/common colds and rampant chest pains. Research findings indicated that residents had respiratory tract-related problems, suspected to be linked to the effects of air pollution caused by the emission of sulphur dioxide (SO2) from mining and smelting activities. Residents were frequently in contact with SO2 and related gases and fumes, mineral and silica dust generated from the mining processes. No clearly demarcating differences were noticed in the health status of residents living in the control site from those in the main study area. However, sites most affected were those close to where Ni-Cu is exploited. Environmental factors resulting from mining and smelting activities, among others, could be contributory to the negative health effects occurring at Selebi Phikwe.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2001

Beryllium sensitization, chronic beryllium disease, and exposures at a beryllium mining and extraction facility.

In this study, we examine beryllium sensitization, chronic beryllium disease (CBD), and workplace exposures at a beryllium mining (mine) and extraction facility (mill) in Delta, Utah. Historical airborne beryllium data collected between 1970-1999 included general area (GA), breathing zone (BZ), and personal lapel (LP) measurements and calculations of job-specific quarterly daily-weighted averages (DWVAs). We compared GA, BZ, and DWA data to airborne beryllium data from a mixed beryllium products facility and a beryllium ceramics facility located in Elmore, Ohio and Tucson, Arizona, respectively. At the Delta facility, jobs involving beryllium hydrolysis and wet-grinding activities had the highest air concentrations; annual median GA concentrations were less than 0.3 microg/m3 or both areas. Annual median GA sample concentrations ranged from 0.1-0.4 microg/m(-3) at Delta. These levels were generally lower than Elmore (0.1-1.0 microg/m3) and were comparable to the Tucson facility (0.1-0.4 microg/m3). Median BZ concentrations were higher, whereas DWAs were lower at the Delta facility than at the other two facilities. Among the 87 employees at the Delta facility, 75 participated in the medical survey; there were three persons sensitized, one with CBD. The individual with CBD previously worked at the Elmore facility for 10 years. Cumulative CBD incidence rates were significantly lower at the Delta facility: 0.3 percent compared to 2.0 percent for Elmore and 2.5 percent for the Tucson facility. Sensitization and CBD prevalence rates determined from cross-sectional surveys for the Delta facility were lower than but not significantly different from rates at the other two facilities. There was no sensitization or CBD among those who worked only at the mine where the only exposure to beryllium results from working with bertrandite ore. Although these results are derived from a small sample, this study suggests that the form of beryllium may affect the likelihood of developing CBD. Specifically, exposure to beryl and bertrandite ore dusts or to beryllium salts, in the absence of exposure to beryllium oxide particulates appears to pose a lower risk for developing CBD.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Safety Management in Coal Mines-Risk Assessment.

The present state of accident hazard at work in the Polish mining industry is presented. A comparison is made of the accident indices in relation to other countries. A reference is made to the work safety management system implemented in the mines. Safety management is discussed in terms of risk management. On the basis of the natural death index and that of accidents at work, numerical scales are presented defining the limits of the inadmissable, tolerable, and acceptable risk. The course of variation of risk indices for fatal, serious, and minor accidents is evaluated. The results of the assessment for all kinds of accidents at work in the mining industry are presented.

coal mining↗
PubMed2006

Phytostabilization of gold mine tailings from New Zealand. Part 2: Experimental evaluation of arsenic mobilization during revegetation.

Revegetation of mine tailings usually requires amendments of phosphorus. However, phosphate addition can mobilize arsenic (As) from the tailings. A 5-mo lysimeter field trial was conducted to quantify As mobilization in gold mine tailings, in association with different P amendment products and different plant species (barley Hordeum vulgare, blue lupin Lupinus angustifolius, rye corn Secale cereale) necessary for short-term revegetation of mine tailings. A simultaneous laboratory experiment was run to examine As mobilization in 1-cm-deep tailings in relation to different P amendment rates. The experimental results showed that the amount of As leached was proportional to the amount of P added. In the larger scale lysimeters, P amendment of < 3 g m(-2) caused As leaching of 0.5 mg L(-1) from unplanted lysimeters and up to 0.9 mg L(-1) on average in planted lysimeters. Variable species-amendment combinations produced differences in the amount of As leached and uptaken. Leachates and uptakes were higher with an organic fertilizer amendment than Superphosphate, particularly in combination with barley. Arsenic accumulated in plant biomass to 126 mg kg(-1) in shoots and 469 mg kg(-1) in roots.

Arsenic↗
PubMed2002

Elevated blood mercury and neuro-otological observations in children of the Ecuadorian gold mines.

The prevalence of mercury (Hg) intoxication was investigated in 114 Andean Saraguro and non-Saraguro (Mestizo) children living in remote gold-mining settlements in Nambija and Portovelo, Ecuador. Venous blood samples showed a mean total blood mercury (B-Hg) level of 18.2 microg/L (SD 15.5; range 2-89.) for 77 Saraguro and non-Saraguro children in the Nambija settlement, which was significantly higher than that of children in the Portovelo and reference groups. Comparison of groups showed mean B-Hg levels of 26.4 microg/L (range 4-89 microg/L) for 32 indigenous/Saraguro children; 12.3 microg/L (range 2-33 microg/L) for 45 non-Saraguro children; 4.9 microg/L (range 1-10 microg/L) for 37 children in Portovelo; and 2.4 microg/L (range 1-6 microg/L) for a reference group of 15 children. Fisher's post hoc analysis revealed significant differences among groups, except between the Portovelo and the reference groups. Neuro-otological symptoms and abnormalities were observed in Saraguro, non-Saraguro, and Portovelo children. Samples of soil collected at sites near the local school were found to contain Hg levels ranging from 0. 1 to 38 ppm, cadmium (Cd) levels from 0.07 to 0.82 ppm and arsenic (As) levels from < 1 to 3.9 ppm. in conclusion, the children of Nambija, particularly the Saraguro "Amer-Indians," exhibited elevated B-Hg levels from exposure to Hg used in the gold-mining process, and are at risk for neurological impairment. The children of Portovelo who reported neuro-otological symptoms but had low B-Hg levels (<10 microg/L) may be affected by exposure to sodium cyanide, which is used extensively in the local gold-mining operations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Field validation study of the MDA Instant Working Level Meter in a high gamma background mine environment.

Accurate and reproducible radon daughter measurements are essential to protect workers in the mining industry and assure compliance with federal regulations. The precision and accuracy of the MDA Model 811 Instant Working Level Meter (IWLM) has been questioned when it is used in a high gamma environment of an underground uranium mine due to the increased statistical uncertainty associated with the background radiations. Comparative side by side sampling at a single underground mine station exhibiting a 3.0 mR/h "gamma background" was conducted utilizing the IWLM, the Kusnetz and the Tsivoglou methods. A total of fifty sets of samples were taken, with half using an unshielded IWLM and the other half using a lead shield to reduce the effect of the high gamma background radiation. IWLM, Kusnetz and "baseline" Tsivoglou measurements were then analyzed. A significantly large error was associated with the IWLM in both the shielded and unshielded data groups.

Background Radiation↗
PubMed1987

Particle size distributions in underground coal mines.

This paper reports the results of a sampling program undertaken by NIOSH to determine the particle size distributions in underground coal mines. The program made use of newly developed cascade impactors capable of being operated with personal sampling pumps. Particle size distribution samples were collected at selected areas in 10 continuous mining sections in three states. Results plotted as mass frequency distributions indicate that a bimodal distribution may exist in areas away from the operations of the continuous miner. A primary size mode of about 17 micron and a secondary size mode of about 5 micron were measured consistently throughout the 10 mines studied.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1998

Carbon disulphide absorption during xanthate reagent mixing in a gold mine concentrator.

A xanthate reagent mixer at a gold mine concentrator was exposed to carbon disulphide by extensive skin contamination with xanthate powder and solution during the reagent mixing process. Absorption of carbon disulphide was confirmed by the detection of urinary 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA). Drager colorimetric tube testing during subsequent mixing recorded a maximum concentration of at least 60 ppm carbon disulphide. An illness consisting of predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms began 20 h after the exposure. Although this may have been due to carbon disulphide toxicity this is by no means certain. The need for engineering controls, impervious protective clothing and full-face respirators with particulate and organic vapour cartridges is discussed. This episode occurred at another mine site, unrelated to Mount Isa Mines Limited.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Ergonomics in mining.

Like other areas of occupational health and safety (OHS) ergonomics is evolving and becoming more integrated into overall work management systems. As we learn more about the complex interaction between psychosocial and physical factors in the aetiology of work-related illness and injury the more we rely on managers to 'get it right' if we are to prevent these conditions. Risks to health and safety in the mining industry posed by longer shift lengths, higher work loads, less task variation and decision latitude have not really been well researched. Heavy physical workloads and stresses are still areas of concern, but are likely to be intermittent rather than constant. Recent research confirms current thinking rather than shedding new light on the subject. The contribution of slips, trips and falls and increasing age of miners to manual handling injuries is still not clear. In some cases sedentary work and the operation of machinery has completely replaced heavy physical work. The issues of machinery design for operations and maintenance and whole-body vibration exposures when operating machines and vehicles are becoming more critical. The link between prolonged sitting, poor cab design and vibration with back and neck pain is being recognized but has yet to be addressed in any systematic way by the mining industry. On the plus side some mining companies have well-developed participative approaches to problem solving and these need to be extended to areas such as ergonomics.

Age Factors↗