Abstract
Respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) exposure is associated with black lung and silicosis diseases in underground miners. Although only RCMD mass and silica concentrations are regulated, it is possible that particle size, surface area, and other chemical constituents also contribute to its adverse health effects. This review summarizes measurement technologies for RCMD mass concentrations, morphology, size distributions, and chemical compositions, with examples from published efforts where these methods have been applied. Some state-of-the-art technologies presented in this paper have not been certified as intrinsically safe, and caution should be exerted for their use in explosive environments. RCMD mass concentrations are most often obtained by filter sampling followed by gravimetric analysis, but recent requirements for real-time monitoring by continuous personal dust monitors (CPDM) enable quicker exposure risk assessments. Emerging low-cost photometers provide an opportunity for a wider deployment of real-time exposure assessment. Particle size distributions can be determined by microscopy, cascade impactors, aerodynamic spectrometers, optical particle counters, and electrical mobility analyzers, each with unique advantages and limitations. Different filter media are required to collect integrated samples over working shifts for comprehensive chemical analysis. Teflon membrane filters are used for mass by gravimetry, elements by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, rare-earth elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and mineralogy by X-ray diffraction. Quartz fiber filters are analyzed for organic, elemental, and brown carbon by thermal/optical methods and non-polar organics by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Polycarbonate-membrane filters are analyzed for morphology and elements by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray, and quartz content by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
Highlights
Inhalation of respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) particles, and especially those containing quartz, has been associated with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP, sometimes referred to as “black lung”) and silicosis diseases [1]
Adverse effects of RCMD on workers’ health have been recognized for decades and several regulations and research efforts have been focused on this issue, there is an increasing prevalence and severity of coal mine dust-related lung diseases in some regions
Comparisons of different techniques are summarized with examples where these methods have been applied
Summary
Inhalation of respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) particles (with aerodynamic diameters 4 micrometers [μm]), and especially those containing quartz (crystalline silica), has been associated with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP, sometimes referred to as “black lung”) and silicosis diseases [1]. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) [3] reported corresponding decreases in CWP occurrences for mid-central and south-central Appalachia underground coal miners between 1970 and 2000 (Figure 1). Since 2000, the prevalence and severity of RCMD-related lung diseases have increased [6,7], especially in mid-central Appalachia. The 2014 Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MHSA) [12] respirable coal dust rule reduced permissible RCMD exposure from 2.0 to 1.5 mg/m3 over a full work shift. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S EPA) [13] national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for maximum 24 h PM2.5 (particles
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 call
