2.5 Aerosols in Mining Environments
53
dangerous as they can pass directly from the lungs into the blood thence diffusing
throughout the body even as far as the central nervous system (Black and Mullins
2019).
Occupational exposure to DPM causes irritation of the throat and eyes, dizziness
and headaches in the short term. In the long term, exposure increases the risk of
cardiopulmonary and lung cancer (Steiner et al. 2016; Silverman 2017). Mining is
the industrial sector in which workers are most affected by this type of emissions
(Monforton 2006). The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States (30 CFR
57.5060) indicates a PEL of 160 µg m
−3 TC
13 (Mischler and Colinet 2009) but, a lot
of criticism has appeared in the scientific literature concerning carbon measurements
as a proxy for DPM health effects. This criticism is mainly based on the fact that
carbon measurement is more closely correlated with the mass of DPM rather than the
number, specific surface or chemical composition of the exhaust (Black and Mullins
2019).
Measures to prevent DPM formation and protect miners include (OCRC 2017):
• Replacement of old engines by new, lower-emission ones.
• Use of particle filters and catalytic converters (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, DOC).
• Use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel and emulsified fuels (Water Emulsion
Fuels, WEF).
• Adequate maintenance programmes that allow the correct functioning of diesel
equipment.
• Use of sealed operator cabins (environmental cabs).
2.5.4 Measurement of Aerosols
Diesel Particulate Matter
The sample is obtained by generating a suction current by means of a pump. The
current is then filtered, and the collected material is subjected to chemical analysis.
These devices are always attached to the worker at all times so as to monitor working
conditions as closely as possible. The two most popular variants are:
(a) Respirable Combustible Dust (RCD), consisting of (Vermeulen et al. 2010):
• Filtration of air in a 0.8 µm silver membrane filter.
• Determination of the mass retained in the filter.
• The filter is transferred to a metal tray.
• The set is placed in a muffle furnace at 400 °C for 90 min.
• The particulate material reacts with the oxygen, assisted by the catalytic
action of the filter’s silver.
• Mass loss is considered the RCD.
13 Total Carbon.
53
dangerous as they can pass directly from the lungs into the blood thence diffusing
throughout the body even as far as the central nervous system (Black and Mullins
2019).
Occupational exposure to DPM causes irritation of the throat and eyes, dizziness
and headaches in the short term. In the long term, exposure increases the risk of
cardiopulmonary and lung cancer (Steiner et al. 2016; Silverman 2017). Mining is
the industrial sector in which workers are most affected by this type of emissions
(Monforton 2006). The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States (30 CFR
57.5060) indicates a PEL of 160 µg m
−3 TC
13 (Mischler and Colinet 2009) but, a lot
of criticism has appeared in the scientific literature concerning carbon measurements
as a proxy for DPM health effects. This criticism is mainly based on the fact that
carbon measurement is more closely correlated with the mass of DPM rather than the
number, specific surface or chemical composition of the exhaust (Black and Mullins
2019).
Measures to prevent DPM formation and protect miners include (OCRC 2017):
• Replacement of old engines by new, lower-emission ones.
• Use of particle filters and catalytic converters (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, DOC).
• Use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel and emulsified fuels (Water Emulsion
Fuels, WEF).
• Adequate maintenance programmes that allow the correct functioning of diesel
equipment.
• Use of sealed operator cabins (environmental cabs).
2.5.4 Measurement of Aerosols
Diesel Particulate Matter
The sample is obtained by generating a suction current by means of a pump. The
current is then filtered, and the collected material is subjected to chemical analysis.
These devices are always attached to the worker at all times so as to monitor working
conditions as closely as possible. The two most popular variants are:
(a) Respirable Combustible Dust (RCD), consisting of (Vermeulen et al. 2010):
• Filtration of air in a 0.8 µm silver membrane filter.
• Determination of the mass retained in the filter.
• The filter is transferred to a metal tray.
• The set is placed in a muffle furnace at 400 °C for 90 min.
• The particulate material reacts with the oxygen, assisted by the catalytic
action of the filter’s silver.
• Mass loss is considered the RCD.
13 Total Carbon.