Abstract
Surface coal mining practices pose health risks by triggering respiratory inflammation. This study investigated the impact of coal handling on respiratory health in coal (Wani) and non-coal handling (Arni) areas in central India for the first time. Air particulate matter (PM) and associated heavy metal concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were estimated at each location. Wani showed higher level of PM-associated heavy metals compared to Arni. Particularly, Arsenic was present in Wani but not in Arni PM samples. Serum lung epithelial injury biomarker (CC16) was also measured in Wani (n = 148) and Arni (n = 95) populations. Unadjusted serum CC16 was significantly lower in Wani than in Arni (6.99 ± 5.14 µg/L vs 10.89 ± 4.95 µg/L; p < 0.001). Results revealed that the population at Wani is more vulnerable to lung epithelial injury.
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