Underground Gold Miner Exposure to Noise, Diesel Particulate Matter and Crystalline Silica Dust

BACKGROUND. Respirable dust, diesel particulate matter, crystalline silica and noise pollution are the most common causes of health issues experienced by underground mine workers. Assessment of exposure levels in relation to standard regulatory body permissible levels is essential for the safety of mine workers. OBJECTIVES. The present study compared exposure levels of diesel particulate matter, crystalline silica dust and noise experienced across different underground mine worker job titles. METHODS. Subjective sampling was employed using gravimetric air samplers over an 8-hour time weighted average for two periods designated as period 1 (first half of the year) and period 2 (second half of the year). A comparative analysis of exposure levels between job titles and in relation to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) permissible exposure levels (PELs) was performed. RESULTS. In the present study, 90% of the selected job titles were over-exposed to noise and 80% were over-exposed to diesel particulate matter. The highest exposures for crystalline silica dust and diesel particulate matter were found in the 40–49-year-old age group. CONCLUSIONS. The present study of exposure levels of diesel particulate matter, respirable dust, crystalline silica, and noise during underground gold mining demonstrates that better control mechanisms are needed to protect workers. PARTICIPANT CONSENT. Obtained ETHICS APPROVAL. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. COMPETING INTERESTS. The authors declare no competing financial interests.