Assessment of diesel particulate matter exposure among underground mine workers

Abstract

Diesel motor emissions are a major source of ultrafine particles as research shows that the particulate fraction of diesel exhaust consists mainly of very small particles, which rapidly agglomerate to form clumps of particles with <1 μm aerodynamic size. Substantial scientific evidence supports that inhalation of emissions from diesel exhaust particulates is associated with a range of adverse health effects. Measurements have shown that underground miners can be exposed to over 100 times the typical environmental concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and over 10 times the concentration measured in other work environments where diesel engines are common. This paper reports personal and environmental exposures to DPM in an underground mine in Western Australia. The findings demonstrated that the DPM concentration exceeded the provisional 8-hour time weighted average exposure standard of 0.1 mg/m 3 for most of the assessed locations. The elemental analysis indicated high concentrations of silica and iron in DPM which could be potentially associated with some adverse health effects including respiratory illnesses and irritating effects. Thermal comfort underground was also assessed and the results showed non compliance with the standards of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).