Evaluation of Face Dust Concentrations at Mines Using Deep-Cutting Practices

by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In 2008, underground coal mines in the United States produced over 357 million tons of coal EIA 2008], with over half of this production coming from continuous mining operations. MSHA determined that over 800 continuous mining units were in operation in 2010 Niewiadomski 2010]. During the mining of coal, respirable coal dust is liberated into the air, potentially exposing mine workers. Likewise, during the extraction of the coal, rock within or surrounding the coal seam may be cut, liberating respirable silica into the air. Overexposure to respirable coal dust can lead to the development of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, while overexposure to silica dust can lead to silicosis. Both of these lung diseases can be disabling or fatal, depending upon the severity of the disease that develops. Consequently, to prevent the development of occupational lung disease, mining operations are responsible for controlling concentrations of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere where miners work or travel.

106 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2013