A Study of Respirable Silica in Underground Coal Mines: Sources

An ongoing resurgence of occupational lung disease among coal miners in the United States has been linked to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). To better protect miners, a deeper understanding key exposure factors is needed. As part larger investigation RCS 15 mines, this paper describes analysis mass content two types samples: (1) mine dust (RCMD) collected standardized locations each mine; and (2) generated laboratory from primary source materials, including rock strata being mined at production face, material obtained collection system on roof bolter machines, products applied by mine. expected, results indicate that drilled for bolting or extracted along with are major many mines—although seam itself can contain significant some mines. While encountered central Appalachian mines not necessarily higher than other regions, sheer abundance thin-seam explain relatively typically observed RCMD region.