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Noise exposure assessment of non-coal mining workers in four provinces of China

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the noise exposure of non-coal mines in China to take appropriate controls to protect workers' health. METHODS: An assessment of non-coal miners' noise exposures was conducted in four provinces in China. Individual noise exposure levels were measur...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Wang, Xin, Kang, Ning, Dong, Yiwen, Liu, Kai, Ning, Kang, Bian, Hongying, Han, Feng, Chen, Yongqing, Ye, Meng
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9870050/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36699889
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1055618
Descripción
Sumario:OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the noise exposure of non-coal mines in China to take appropriate controls to protect workers' health. METHODS: An assessment of non-coal miners' noise exposures was conducted in four provinces in China. Individual noise exposure levels were measured, and the survey on the hearing protector device (HPD) equipment was administered. RESULTS: 423 noise dosimeter measurements were obtained, including drilling, blasting, ore drawing, transportation, winching, crushing, screening and ball milling, and auxiliary (air pressure, pump, and maintenance). A total of 31.9% of the individual noise levels (L(EX,8h)) exceeded 85 dB(A), and the median dosages of non-coal miners with high noise exposure were: excavation workers-89.1 dB(A), mill operators-88.7 dB(A), and crusher operators-87.0 dB(A). The noise dose of underground mine workers is higher than that of surface mine workers (P < 0.001). A total of 53.7% of non-coal mining enterprises are not equipped with HPD for workers, mainly small and micro enterprises. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of hazardous noise exposure are typical in non-coal mines. Noise exposure data can help to develop more feasible noise controls.