Abstract
Diesel-powered equipment is widely used in the mining industry due to its superb performance, cost-effectiveness, efficiency as well as durability. However, there is a potential for miners in underground mines to be overexposed to high concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM) with the increasing use of diesel engines. In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified DPM as a carcinogen to humans (group 1) based on sufficient evidence from animal and epidemiological studies. Regulations and control methods have been developed to minimize DPM health hazard in underground mines. This paper firstly reviewed the health effects of DPM on humans based on related animal and epidemiological studies. Findings indicated that both short- and long-term exposure to high concentrations of DPM have adverse impacts (acute irritation, asthma, cough, light-headedness, lung cancer, etc.) on humans, and a recommended limit of DPM concentration (0.1 mg/m3, measured as element carbon) should be established to help reduce miners’ risk of lung cancer. The effects of DPM control methods were also evaluated, which include source controls and exposure controls. Finally, an optimum DPM controlling strategy was obtained to lower DPM concentrations and provide a safe and healthy working environment for miners.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
