Analysis of Dust to Evaluate the Incidence of Pneumoconiosis in Huainan Coal Mines

ABSTRACT

Environmental pollution is an increasing problem in the world. The goal of the present study was to carry out environmental assessment on pneumoconiosis through comprehensive analysis of the coal mine environment. The dust in the Xinzhuangzi and Xiejiaji coal mines in Huainan was sampled to characterize the permissible concentration–short-term exposure limit and permissible concentration–time-weighted average. The free SiO₂ concentration was determined by a pyrophosphate quality method. The concentrations of metals and metalloids were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. An air microorganism sampler was used to detect bacteria and fungi. The results of permissible concentration–short-term exposure limit of dust samples in the coal mines were 42.59 and 50.00% in excess of the national standard, and the results of permissible concentration–time-weighted average were 27.78 and 25.93% in excess. The concentration of free SiO₂ was 11.28 mg/m³; the rock roadway excavation site was obviously higher than at other locations (P < 0.05). The concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd, and As were 25.68 ± 7.24 µg/g, 37.21 ± 8.16 µg/g, 64.85 ± 36.97 µg/g, 611.80 ± 70.34 µg/g, 30.15 ± 10.95 µg/g, 106.84 ± 38.68 µg/g, 2.31 ± 1.65 µg/g, and 3.18 ± 1.70 µg/g in dust. The concentrations varied within and between the mines. The concentrations of bacteria and fungi in the air accounted for 73.81 and 26.19% of the total microbial concentration. The bacterial concentration was significantly higher than the fungi concentration (P < 0.001). The particle concentration distribution of air microorganisms peaked in the third (3.3–4.7 µm) and fifth levels (1.1–2.1 µm). The peak values were 1 025 cfu/m³ and 1 134 cfu/m³. In summary, pneumoconiosis was closely related to environmental factors in the Huainan mines. Dust, SiO₂ concentration, the presence of microbial granules less than or equal to 5 µm, and heavy metals affected the pulmonary toxicity. This study provided experimental basis for the occurrence of pneumoconiosis and may improve dust control technology, strengthen individual protective measures, and implement standard occupational disease prevention.

KEYWORDS:

• Dust composition
• Huainan coal mine
• incidence
• pneumoconiosis

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the editors and reviewers for polishing the language of the paper and for in-depth discussion.