Metal and non‐metal miners' exposure to crystalline silica, 1998–2002

Abstract

Crystalline silica is well known to cause silicosis and other diseases. Exposure is common in the mining industry and consequently, the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) evaluates miners exposure to silica to determine compliance with its exposure limit. MSHA exposure measurements were obtained for the 5-year period from 1998 to 2002 and average exposure was calculated classified by occupation and by mine. Evaluation criteria were whether average values exceeded MSHA's permissible exposure limit or the limit recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), whether there was a risk of exposure to freshly fractured silica, and whether there was a risk of a high rate of exposure to silica. Miners in certain jobs are exposed to silica above permissible and recommended exposure limits. Some miners may also be exposed at a high rate or to freshly fractured silica. Known dust control methods should be implemented and regular medical surveillance should be provided.