Seasonal impact of particulate matter exposure on urinary health of mine workers in iron ore mining environment

Abstract

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in opencast iron ore mines poses a significant health risk to mine workers, particularly impacting urinary health. This study specifically examines how mining activities influence urinary parameters in employees, with a focus on how seasonal variations – such as shifts between monsoon and winter – intensify these effects. Through real-time analysis of air pollutants including PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, CO₂, and HCHO, we captured critical seasonal fluctuations in pollutant concentrations across different mining departments.

Urine samples from workers in diverse departments were rigorously analyzed for glucose levels, elemental concentrations, and other health indicators. Advanced regression and correlation analyses revealed strong associations between urine markers and PM exposure, with exceptionally high R² values across departments: 0.984 for excavation, 1.000 for crushing, 0.969 for downhill, 0.963 for screening, and 0.992 for loading, indicating a precise relationship. Low mean squared error (MSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) values further underscored the model's predictive accuracy. Seasonal variations showed a clear impact on exposure levels, with the overall relevance percentage between monsoon and winter seasons approximating 39.24%, underscoring the added health burden during seasonal transitions. The results indicate that workers' health is clearly affected by exposure to mining-related air pollutants, as shown by the urine analysis, which revealed elevated levels of occupationally relevant elements. These findings highlight the need for proactive air quality monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies in mining environments to protect worker health, offering critical insights for policymakers and occupational health professionals focused on improving safety standards in mining operations.