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Background and Aims: Mega-wild fires are exposing large communities to weeks or months of high concentration smoke-related fine particulate air pollution (PM). However, little research has examined the long-term vascular responses from exposure to PM of this concentration and duration. We investigated whether level of exposure to 6 weeks of PM from the 2014 Hazelwood coal mine fire was associated with abnormal vascular responses approximately four years later.Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was undertaken of 387 participants (225 exposed, 162 unexposed) aged 55-89 years, 3.5-4 years after the mine fire. The primary outcome was flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), with time to reach peak diameter as the secondary outcome. Other secondary markers included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and ischaemic Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes.Results: There was no evidence of a difference in FMD between participants with high, medium, low or no mine-fire related PM2.5 exposure (4.09% vs 4.06% vs 4.02% vs 3.98%, respectively, p=0.99). Likewise, there was no difference in hsCRP or ischaemic ECG changes. In contrast, there was evidence of a difference in time to peak diameter (p=0.002) with more unexposed participants reaching peak diameter within 30 seconds (36%) compared to those who had high, medium, or low exposure (23%, 22%, 13%, respectively). Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis suggested that township, Morwell (exposed) vs Sale (unexposed), but not level of PM2.5 exposure, was associated with delayed time to peak diameter (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.56, 4.69). Smokers also had delayed time to peak diameter.Conclusion: There was no association between level of exposure to PM2.5 from the 6-week Hazelwood coal mine fire smoke event and reduced FMD, elevated hsCRP or ischaemic ECG four years later. Evidence of delayed time to peak diameter observed in adults from the exposed town, compared to an unexposed town, requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet-related cardiovascular diseases have produced a large health burden in China. Coal miners are a high-risk population for cardiovascular disease, but there is little evidence concerning associations between coal miners' dietary patterns and their 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score levels.Methods: The study included 2632 participants and focused on dietary patterns associated with higher 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score levels. A valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to collect data regarding dietary intake, and dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis combined with cluster analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between dietary patterns and 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score levels.Results: For ground workers, compared with the 'Healthy' pattern, the 'High-salt' and 'Refined grains' patterns were significantly associated with higher 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score level (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02-2.21; OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.26-2.93) and 10-year ischemic cardiovascular disease risk score level (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.25-3.80; OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.48-4.72) adjusted for gender, and behavioural and socioeconomic factors. The 'High-fat and salt' pattern was significantly associated with higher 10-year ischemic cardiovascular disease risk score level (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13-3.42). For underground workers, the 'High-salt' pattern was significantly associated with higher 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score level (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.16-2.36) and 10-year ischemic cardiovascular disease risk score level (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.09-2.84).Conclusions: This study provides evidence for dietary patterns associated with higher 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score levels in Chinese miners, and facilitates relevant departments in designing effective dietary guidelines to ameliorate dietary structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost half of all the coal produced in the United States is mined by companies that have recently gone bankrupt This Article explains how those bankruptcy proceedings have undermined federal environmental and labor laws. In particular, coal companies have used the Bankruptcy Code to evade congressionally imposed liabilities requiring that they pay lifetime health benefits to coal miners and restore land degraded by surface mining. Using financial information reported in filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the companies' reorganization agreements, we show that between 2012 and 2017, four of the largest coal companies in the United States succeeded in shedding almost S5.2 billion of environmental and retiree liabilities. Most of these liabilities were backed by federal mandates. Coal companies disposed of these regulatory obligations by placing them in underfunded subsidiaries that they later spun off. When the underfunded successor companies liquidated, the coal companies managed to get rid of their regulatory obligations without defaulting on the pecuniary debts they owed to their creditors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The year 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division (RHD). RHD began in 1967 as the Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Respiratory Diseases (ALFORD), with a focus on coal workers' pneumoconiosis. ALFORD became part of NIOSH in 1971 and added activities to address work-related respiratory disease more generally. Health hazard evaluations played an important role in understanding novel respiratory hazards such as nylon flock, diacetyl, and indium-tin oxide. Epidemiologic and laboratory studies addressed many respiratory hazards, including coal mine dust, silica, asbestos, cotton dust, beryllium, diesel exhaust, and dampness and mold. Surveillance activities tracked the burden of diseases and enhanced the quality of spirometry and chest radiography used to screen workers. RHD's efforts to improve scientific understanding, inform strategies for prevention, and disseminate knowledge remain important now and for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the structure of the systematic investigation of the environment of the Singrauli coal field of the Singrauli and Sonbhadra Districts, mining activities are among the primary pollutant‐producing sources of particulate matter. In this study, the age group found to receive the highest dose—and to be at highest risk for adverse health effects—was children at the age of 1 year. Furthermore, the inhalation dose and health risks are 1.4 times higher for actual mine workers when they are in the mine areas than for persons in non‐mining, areas. Furthermore, inhalation doses were observed to be higher in summer than in winter and the rainy season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Given the recent increase in dust‐induced lung disease among U.S. coal miners and the respiratory hazards encountered across the U.S. mining industry, it is important to enhance an understanding of lung disease trends and the organizational contexts that precede these events. In addition to exploring overall trends reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the current study uses MSHA's enforcement database to examine whether or not compliance with health regulations resulted in fewer mine‐level counts of these diseases over time. The findings suggest that interstitial lung diseases were more prevalent in coal mines compared to other mining commodities, in Appalachian coal mines compared to the rest of the United States, and in underground compared to surface coal mines. Mines that followed a relevant subset of MSHA's health regulations were less likely to report a lung disease over time. The findings are discussed from a lung disease prevention strategy perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the association between occupational, environmental, behavioral risk factors, and active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) patients. A matched case-control study was conducted in 86 CWP patients with active PTB and 86 CWP controls without TB. A standardized questionnaire was used for risk factors assessment. Conditioned logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between the risk factors and active PTB among CWP patients. The results showed that the stage of CWP, poor workplace ventilation, family history of TB, and exposure to TB were independent risk factors for active PTB in patients with CWP with which recommendations for improving work environments, and for case finding activities in patients with CWP could be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate sensing is the key to structural health monitoring of underground coal mines while using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. However, the previously developed systems for structural monitoring of underground mines have been limited to monitoring without any capability of damage detection. Therefore, this study integrates a highly accurate FBG monitoring system and output-only data-driven approaches on an Internet of things (IoT)-based platform to develop a comprehensive mine structural safety system. This system relies on a Web 2.0 main server that runs data acquisition, data processing, and damage detection algorithms along with real-time information sharing at remote locations. This system was successfully implemented at the Hassan Kishore coal mine, situated in the Salt Range of Pakistan. Wavelength division multiplexing of the FBG strain sensors reliably captured the effects of dynamic and continuous coal excavation on the stability of mine roadway and access galleries. Principal component analysis, along with hierarchical clustering, was used to determine the damage indicator of the mine. The damage index was validated, showing the minimum value for 2% stiffness reduction. Thus, integration of FBG technology with the Internet can be effectively applied for early safety assessment of underground coal mines and information sharing in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the thermal transmission capability (thermal insulation) and the moisture transmission characteristic (evaporative resistance) of the working ensemble for Chinese hot coal miners (from lining Anju coal mine, a typical hot coal mine in China) were measured and analyzed using a thermal sweating manikin ("Newton") in a climatic chamber. It is found that the thermal insulation of the old (used) mining ensemble worn for one year changes slightly from the new one, but the evaporative resistance decreases about 15%; there are notable differences of local thermal insulation and local evaporative resistance of the mining ensemble among different body zones; the thermal insulation and the evaporative resistance of the mining ensemble change slightly under different thermal conditions, but vary significantly under different humid conditions. The measured data of thermal insulation and the evaporative resistance can provide technical and data support for mining ensemble design, and also are valuable data for evaluating thermal strain of workers in hot coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the short-term correlation between blood lead levels and oxidative stress generation in coal miners. The study involved 94 male coal miners from the Velenje Coal mine, arranged into four groups: three groups according to the number of consecutive working days, and a fourth control group. Miners who worked for three consecutive days had higher blood levels of lead and 8-isoprostane than the control group ( P < 0.001). Correlation between lead and 8-isoprostane was of medium strength ( r = 0.512, P < 0.001). Short-term lead environmental exposure can potentially harmful and should be considered when formulating improvements in working processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In underground coal mining, numerous harmful substances and ionising radiation pose a major threat to the occupational safety and health of workers. Because cell DNA repair machinery eliminates genotoxic stress conferred by these agents, we examined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in hOGG1 (rs1052133), XRCC1 (rs25487), ADPRT (rs1136410), XRCC4 (rs6869366) and LIG4 (rs1805388) genes modulate the genotoxic damage assessed by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in lymphocytes from 143 underground coal miners and 127 healthy nonexposed males. We also analyzed models of gene-gene interactions associated with increased cytogenetic damage in coal miners and determined 'protective'and 'risk'combinations of alleles. We showed that miners with the G/G genotype of the hOGG1 (rs1052133) gene had a significantly increased frequency of binucleated lymphocytes with micronuclei (13.17%, 95% CI = 10.78- 15.56) compared to the C/C genotype carriers (10.35%, 95% CI = 9.59-11.18). In addition, in the exposed group this indicator was significantly increased in carriers of the T/T genotype of the LIG4 (rs1805388) gene compared to miners harbouring the C/T genotype (13.00%, 95% CI = 10.96-15.04 and 9.69%, 95% CI = 8.32-11.06, respectively). Using the multifactor dimensionality reduction method, we found the three-locus model of gene-gene interactions hOGG1 (rs1052133) × ADPRT (rs1136410) × XRCC4 (rs6869366) associated with high genotoxic risk in coal miners. These results indicate that the studied polymorphisms and their combinations are associated with cytogenetic status in miners and may be used as molecular predictors of occupational risks in underground coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust is a major hazard in underground coal mines that threatens the work health and safety of coal miners. The dust issue becomes increasingly significant with the development of highly mechanized coal mining. This issue is particularly serious at the high longwall faces of the Sihe colliery in China as the concentration of dust, in particular respirable dust, at these faces far exceeds the regulatory dust limits. Field testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to understand the sources of dust generation and its dynamic movement in the #5301 longwall face of high-cutting height at the colliery. The investigation results showed that shearer generated dust was minimal during the coal cutting operation; that face spalling and chock movement were the main dust generating sources, causing significant contamination to the walkway; and that the majority of dust particles from the face (regardless of source) eventually disperse into the main gate, where the dust concentration was greater than 500 mg/m3. These findings were used to develop an effective coal dust mitigation system involving the installation of dust scrubbers, curtains, and venture and crescent sprays. The results of CFD modeling indicate that the dust concentration could be significantly reduced by adopting the new dust mitigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent NIOSH publications have focused on the respiratory health of coal miners in central Appalachia, yet 57% of U.S. coal miners work in other regions. We characterized respiratory morbidity in coal miners from these regions. Methods Active coal miners working outside of central Appalachia who received chest radiographs and/or spirometry during 2005-2015 were included. Chest radiographs were classified according to International Labour Office standards and spirometry was interpreted using the American Thoracic Society guidelines. Prevalence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and abnormal spirometry were compared by region. Results A total of 103 (2.1%) miners had CWP. The eastern region had the highest prevalence (3.4%), followed by the western (1.7%), and interior (0.8%) regions. A total of 524 (9.3%) miners had abnormal spirometry. Conclusions CWP occurs in all U.S. coal mining regions. Prevalence of CWP was higher in the eastern region, but lower than levels reported in central Appalachia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study aimed at evaluating ocular findings and structural changes in coal mine workers who were chronically exposed to coal mine dust and diagnosed with pneumoconiosis. Methods: Ocular findings of 161 eyes of 81 patients diagnosed with pneumoconiosis who had previously worked or are currently working in coal mines were analyzed. Forty-six coal mine workers and sex matched healthy people (n = 20) participated in the study. Workers who had early changes of pneumoconiosis were included in Group 1 (n = 17), workers diagnosed with pneumoconiosis were included in Group 2 (n = 29), and healthy subjects were included in Group 3 (n = 20). Outcome measures were the difference in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, choroidal thickness (CT), central macular thickness (CMT) and tear function tests between the groups. Results: RNFL thickness values in Group 1 and 2 were lower than in Group 3, the control group, in all quadrants except the temporal quadrant. However, there was no statistically significant difference in peripapillary RNFL thickness values in any quadrants among the three groups (p > 0.05). Central subfoveal choroidal thickness and CMT measurements were thinner in Group 1 and 2 than in the control group. However, this difference among groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Mean schirmer's test result was 8.8 ± 1.6 mm in group 1, 7.1 ± 1.8 mm in Group 2 and 11.5 ± 3.6 mm in the control group. Mean tear break up time (BUT) test result was 7.1 ± 1.3 seconds (sec) in Group 1, 6.5 ± 1.8 sec in Group 2 and 10.4 ± 2.9 s in the control group. The Schirmer's test and BUT test results were both statistically significantly lower in coal mine workers (Group 1 and 2) compared to the control group. Group 1 and Group 2 did not show statistically significant difference in terms of Schirmer's test and BUT test results. Discussion: The association between pneumoconiosis and coal mine dust contiguity is thought to be due to the effect of coal dust by producing chronic inflammation. In addition, there are several trace elements in coal dust which are toxic to vital tissues. In this study, ocular findings suggest that systemic levels of trace elements and chronic inflammation may not reach to a level that influences ocular structures. Nonetheless, tear functions seem to be affected in coal mine workers. Conclusion: This study suggests that the systemic effect of coal mine dust in ocular structures is not evident. However, direct contact with coal mine and fume leads to a decrease in tear function tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to investigate the frequency of bladder cancer in patients with an occupational history such as underground hard coal mining and/or painting after the structural change in the local industry. A total of 206 patients with bladder cancer and 207 controls were enlisted regarding occupational and nonoccupational bladder cancer risk factors by questionnaire. The phase II enzymesN-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), glutathioneS-transferases M1 (GSTM1), and T1 (GSTT1) and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11892031[A/C] reported to be associated with bladder cancer in genome-wide association studies were genotyped. The bladder cancer risk in varnishers and underground hard coal miners was increased as previously shown in a study in this area performed in the 1980s. The occupation of a car mechanic was associated with a significantly elevated bladder cancer risk and higher in the case of underground hard coal miners even though the mine was closed in 1987. The frequency of GSTM1 negative genotype was comparable in cases and controls (53% versus 54%). In the case of NAT2, the slow NAT2 genotype was more frequent (62% versus 58%) and ultra-slow NAT2 genotype (NAT2*6A and/or *7B alleles only) was 23% versus 15%. An occupational history of a varnisher or an underground hard coal miner remains a risk factor for bladder cancer occurrence. Data indicate that in the case of bladder cancer, GSTM1 is a susceptibility factor related to environmental and/or occupational exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A meta-analysis, based upon 24 publications, showed a significantly elevated risk for urinary bladder cancer amongst miners. In European underground hard coal mining areas, an increased risk for urinary bladder cancer development was noted among hard coal miners, in particular in three investigations in the greater Dortmund area. However, the cause remains unclear. As cadmium (Cd), which was reported to be a bladder carcinogen in humans and is a constituent of coal, the aim of this study was to determine urinary Cd levels in active and retired hard coal miners and assess whether hard coal miners demonstrated elevated metal levels. In total, 103 retired and 25 active hard coal miners as well as 18 controls without any history of hard coal mining were investigated for urinary Cd levels. Urinary Cd concentrations, in addition to other elements, were analyzed in spot urines by ICP-MS-based multi-element analysis in a Department for Forensic and Clinical Toxicology. Limit of detection (LOD) for Cd was 0.5 μg/L. Reference value for occupationally non-exposed working age population was 0.8 μg/L. In total, 49% of all underground coal miners were exposed to coal dust, 12% to grinded rock, and 39% to both. Urinary Cd levels in retired as well as active coal miners and controls were clearly below the Biological Exposure Index. Urinary Cd concentration is a suitable biomarker to evaluate the metallic load of the body, as the half-life is > than 10 years. The detected urinary Cd levels in retired and active coal miners indicated underground hard coal miners were not apparently exposed to Cd to a occupationally-relevant concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the phrase that conotes a warning of an incoming crisis in coal mines from earlier generations. He explains the history of gas detection at coal mines, its benefits to steam engines, and the dangers of carbon monoxide to the working environment of miners. The author also explores the creative theories on the usefulness of the canary due to its ability for gaseous exchange.

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation of smoking with cumulative total dust exposure (CTE) and cumulative abnormal rate of pulmonary function in coal-mine workers. A total of 376 coal-mine workers were recruited as the observational group, while 179 healthy workers in other industries were selected as the control group. All the workers underwent pulmonary function testing to determine their forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC, in order to compare the abnormal pulmonary function between the two groups. A markedly higher number of smokers was observed in the observational group (200/376, 53.19%) when compared with the control group (72/179, 40.22%). In smokers, the abnormal rate of pulmonary function in the observational group (102/200, 51.00%) was evidently higher compared with that in the control group (19/72, 26.39%), whereas no significant difference was detected between the two groups of non-smokers (P=0.077). In addition, FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC of the observational group were found to be lower compared with those in the control group, in both the smoking and non-smoking subgroups. In the smoking subgroup, FVC and FEV1 in subjects working at the coal mine for different number of years showed significant differences (all P<0.05), whereas comparison of FEV1/FVC in workers with different working durations showed no significant difference (P=0.169). However, in the non-smoking subgroup, the comparison of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in different working duration groups also showed no significant difference (all P>0.05). Furthermore, FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in smoking coal-mine workers were negatively correlated with the dust-exposure working duration (P<0.05). CTE was also positively correlated with cumulative abnormal rate of pulmonary function in the smoking and non-smoking subgroups, while FEV1 was negatively correlated with CTE in the smoking subgroup (P=0.009). In conclusion, smoking is an important risk factor for the damage of pulmonary function in coal-mine workers, and it is positively correlated with dust-exposure time and CTE in these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities are among the major culprits of the wide occurrences of soil and water pollution by PAHs in coal district, which have resulted in ecological fragilities and health risk for local residents. Sixteen PAHs in multimedia environment from the Heshan coal district of Guangxi, South China, were measured, aiming to investigate the contamination level, distribution and possible sources and to estimate the potential health risks of PAHs. The average concentrations of 16 PAHs in the coal, coal gangue, soil, surface water and groundwater were 5114.56, 4551.10, 1280.12 ng g, 426.98 and 381.20 ng L, respectively. Additionally, higher soil and water PAH concentrations were detected in the vicinities of coal or coal gangue dump. Composition analysis, isomeric ratio, Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis were performed to diagnose the potential sources of PAHs in different environmental matrices, suggesting the dominant inputs of PAHs from coal/coal combustion and coal gangue in the soil and water. Soil and water guidelines and the incremental lifetime risk (ICLR) were used to assess the health risk, showing that soil and water were heavily contaminated by PAHs, and mean ICLR and mean ICLR were both significantly higher than the acceptable levels (1 × 10), posing high potential carcinogenic risk to residents, especially coal workers. This study highlights the environmental pollution problems and public health concerns of coal mining, particularly the potential occupational health hazards of coal miners exposed in Heshan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Medical News & Perspectives article, experts discuss how physicians deal with increasing black lung disease cases among Appalachian miners, many at younger ages than in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to assess the nutritional status, daily energy intake, and daily energy expenditure of coal miners in Turkey. A total of 135 healthy coal miners (aged 19–64 years) were evaluated. Heart rates were measured using Polar watches, and the total energy expenditure was calculated using physical activity level formula and Hiilloskorpi equation. The average body mass index of the participants was 25.7 ± 3.98 kg/m2, and the average energy intake was 3,973.7 ± 420.85 kcal. According to Dietary Reference Intakes, the energy and nutrient intakes of the miners were adequate, except for the intake of vitamin D. The coal miners were found to be at moderate (43.0%), heavy (41.5%), and very heavy (13.3%) activity levels. Calculations of the energy expenditure at work were found to be 2,189.8 ± 376.19 to 2,788.8 ± 359.89 kcal per day. Further studies have to be conducted for developing national standards for each occupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most pervasive disease in the mining industry. The exposure of miners to noise levels above the permissible exposure level results in hearing loss of approximately 80% of coal miners by retirement age. In addition, between 2002 and 2011, approximately 48% of longwall shearer operators were overexposed in coal mines in the United States. Previous research identified the two rotating cutting drums used by the longwall shearer to extract coal as the most significant sound-radiating components. In this context, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted research to develop noise controls for longwall mining systems. To this end, structural and acoustic numerical models of a single cutting drum were developed to assess its dynamic and acoustic response, respectively. Once validated, these models were used to explore various noise control concepts including force isolation, varying structural damping and varying component stiffness. Upon multiple simulations, it was determined that structural modifications to increase the stiffness of the outer vane plates were themost practical and durable approach to reduce the sound radiated by the cutting drums. Furthermore, these modifications did not adversely affect the cutting performance, nor the loading ability of the drums. As a result, these structural modifications were implemented into an actual set of drums for evaluation purposes. Results from the underground evaluation, when themodified cutting drums were used under normal operation conditions, showed noise reduction across the entire frequency spectrumwith an overall noise reduction of 3 dB in the sound pressure level at the operator location, confirming the validity of the developed noise controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the actions of worker health and safety representatives in coalmines in Queensland, where there is little evidence of the facilitating role of management previous studies have associated with the successful operation of worker representation in occupational health and safety. It examines how worker representatives deliver their pluralist representational role in a context characterised by essentially unitary thinking amongst their employers and the effectiveness of the strategies they use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Working in mines and quarries has been associated with an elevated lung cancer risk but with inconsistent results for coal miners. This study aimed to estimate the smoking-adjusted lung cancer risk among coal miners and compare the risk pattern with lung cancer risks among ore miners and quarrymen. Methods We estimated lung cancer risks of coal and ore miners and quarrymen among 14 251 lung cancer cases and 17 267 controls from the SYNERGY pooled case-control study, controlling for smoking and employment in other at-risk occupations. Results Ever working as miner or quarryman (690 cases, 436 controls) was associated with an elevated odds ratio (OR) of 1.55 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.34-1.79] for lung cancer. Ore miners (53 cases, 24 controls) had a higher OR (2.34, 95% CI 1.36-4.03) than quarrymen (67 cases, 39 controls; OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.21-3.05) and coal miners (442 cases, 297 controls; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.18-1.67), but CI overlapped. We did not observe trends by duration of exposure or time since last exposure. Conclusions This pooled analysis of population-based studies demonstrated an excess lung cancer risk among miners and quarrymen that remained increased after adjustment for detailed smoking history and working in other at-risk occupations. The increase in risk among coal miners were less pronounced than for ore miners or quarrymen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The interleukin 17A (IL-17A) which is located on chromosome 6p and has been linked to chronic inflammation, is an important candidate gene conferring coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-17A and CWP in a Chinese population. Methods: We conducted a case-control study to investigate the role of four common SNPs in the IL-17A gene, and evaluated the relationship between these four SNPs and dust-exposure year, tobacco smoking and stages of CWP. A total of 1391 subjects was enrolled in this study, including 694 subjects in control group and 697 in case group. TaqMan based qRT-PCRs were taken to genotype rs2275913, rs3748067, rs4711998, and rs8193036 within the IL-17A gene. Luciferase assays were used to determine the effects of rs8193036 C > T alleles on the expression of IL-17A. Results: Unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that the genotypes of rs3748067 AA (adjusted OR = 0.43, 95 % CI = 0.23-0.83) and rs8193036 TT (adjusted OR = 0.59, 95 % CI = 0.40-0.86) were associated with a decreased risk of CWP, particularly among subgroups of smokers (adjusted OR =0.34, 95 % CI = 0.13-0.86 for rs3748076; adjusted OR = 0.41, 95 % CI = 0.23-0.71 for 8193036) and CWP cases with stage I (adjusted OR = 0.45, 95 % CI = 0.21-0.98 for rs3748076; adjusted OR = 0.46, 95 % CI = 0.28-0.74 for 8193036). Furthermore, the polymorphism of rs3748067 significantly reduced the CWP risk among cases with over 27 years of dust exposure (adjusted OR = 0.42, 95 % CI = 0.18-0.97). The luciferase assays in two cell lines showed that the rs8193036 C > T substitution could reduce the expression of IL-17A, which was consistent with the findings of our association study. Conclusions: The rs3748067 G > A and rs8193036 C > T polymorphisms decrease CWP risk. These findings could be helpful in identifying individuals at decreased risk for CWP and further studies are warranted to validate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhalation of coal mine dust results in a spectrum of symptoms, dysfunction, and pathological changes in the respiratory tract that collectively have been labeled coal mine dust lung disease. Recent reports from periodic health surveillance among underground and surface coal miners in the United States have demonstrated an increasing prevalence and severity of dust diseases, and have also documented that some miners experience rapid disease progression. The coal macule is an inflammatory lesion associated with deposited dust, and occurs in the region of the most distal conducting airways and proximal respiratory bronchioles. Inflammatory changes in the small airways have long been recognized as the signature lung pathology among coal miners. Human and laboratory studies have suggested oxidant injury, and increased recruitment and activity of macrophages play important roles in dust-induced lung injury. However, the functional importance of the small airway changes was debated for many years. We reviewed published literature that documents a pervasive occurrence of both physiologic and structural abnormalities in small airways among coal miners and other workers exposed to airborne particulates. There is increasing evidence supporting an important association of abnormalities in the small peripheral airways with the development of respiratory symptoms, deficits in spirometry values, and accelerated declines in ventilatory lung function. Pathologic changes associated with mineral dust deposition in the small airways may be of particular importance in contemporary miners with rapidly progressive respiratory impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to estimate the economic losses currently caused by coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and, on the basis of these measurements, confirm the economic benefit of preventive measures. Our cohort study included 1,847 patients with CWP and 43,742 coal workers without CWP who were registered in the employment records of the Datong Coal Mine Group. We calculated the cumulative incidence rate of pneumoconiosis using the life-table method. We used the dose-response relationship between cumulative incidence density and cumulative dust exposure to predict the future trend in the incidence of CWP. We calculate the economic loss caused by CWP and economic effectiveness of CWP prevention by a step-wise model. The cumulative incidence rates of CWP in the tunneling, mining, combining, and helping cohorts were 58.7%, 28.1%, 21.7%, and 4.0%, respectively. The cumulative incidence rates increased gradually with increasing cumulative dust exposure (CDE). We predicted 4,300 new CWP cases, assuming the dust concentrations remained at the levels of 2011. If advanced dustproof equipment was adopted, 537 fewer people would be diagnosed with CWP. In all, losses of 1.207 billion Renminbi (RMB, official currency of China) would be prevented and 4,698.8 healthy life years would be gained. Investments in advanced dustproof equipment would be total 843 million RMB, according to our study; the ratio of investment to restored economic losses was 1:1.43. Controlling workplace dust concentrations is critical to reduce the onset of pneumoconiosis and to achieve economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All mining activity occurs due to its specific, multiple and varied adverse effects on the environment and consequently on population, as exemplified by: changes in the landscape, occupying large areas of land for operating activities, stockpiles, storage minerals, industrial plants, roadways etc., land degradation, watershed polluted surface and groundwater, the groundwater hydrodynamic imbalance, negative influences on the atmosphere, flora and fauna, soil chemical pollution, noise, vibration and radiation spread into the environment, with a strong adverse action. Roşiuţa coal pit is part of the Motru coal pits whose activity performed within the current lignite coal pit and has a capacity of about 3 million tons per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, more than 2.65 million coal mine workers are exposed to coal dust. Every year, new pneumoconiosis cases amount to 25,000, among which 6000 cases die of this disease. The figure is twice the death toll in production safety accidents. Occupational diseases seriously endanger life and health of coal mine workers, and restrict the healthy growth of the coal industry. The paper presented a study of foam-sol-based coal dust control. This was an experimental study of characteristics of foam-sol-based coal dust control, which features dust capture, suppression, and isolation. Comparative wettability experiments were carried out to determine contact angles of water, aqueous foam, and foam-sol solution. A new foam-sol generating system with a conical diffuser outlet was proposed. The experiment results clearly showed that the foam-sol features dust capture, suppression, and isolation. The wettability of the aqueous foam solution was better than the foam-sol solution, but the foam-sol technology had the better ability to capture the airborne dust, suppress the static dust and enclose the dust source, due to the excellent surface viscosity, strong cohesiveness and less volatile property. The paper concluded that the foam-sol could greatly improve the dust control efficiency and did not have main deficiencies that the aqueous foam technology had. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: The scrutiny of health and safety of personnel working in underground coal mines is heightened because of fatalities and disasters that occur every year worldwide. A methodology based on fuzzy TOPSIS was proposed to assess the risks associated with human health in order to manage control measures and support decision-making, which could provide the right balance between different concerns, such as safety and costs. For this purpose, information collected from three hazardous coal mines namely Hashouni, Hojedk and Babnizu located at the Kerman coal deposit, Iran, were used to manage the risks affecting the health and safety of their miners. Altogether 86 hazards were identified and classified under eight categories: geomechanical, geochemical, electrical, mechanical, chemical, environmental, personal, and social, cultural and managerial risks. Overcoming the uncertainty of qualitative data, the ranking process is accomplished by fuzzy TOPSIS. After running the model, twelve groups with different risks were obtained. Located in the first group, the most important risks with the highest negative effects are: materials falling, catastrophic failure, instability of coalface and immediate roof, firedamp explosion, gas emission, misfire, stopping of ventilation system, wagon separation at inclines, asphyxiation, inadequate training and poor site management system. According to the results, the proposed methodology can be a reliable technique for management of the minatory hazards and coping with uncertainties affecting the health and safety of miners when performance ratings are imprecise. The proposed model can be primarily designed to identify potential hazards and help in taking appropriate measures to minimize or remove the risks before accidents can occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The SPARC is a crucial matricellular protein and may influence the course of various diseases like tumor metastasis and fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the association between the potential functional polymorphisms in SPARC and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) risk in a Chinese population. Methods: Five potentially functional polymorphisms (rs1059279, rs1059829, rs1053411, rs2304052 and rs4958281) in SPARC were genotyped and analyzed in a case-control study including 697 CWP cases and 694 controls. The genotyping was used by the TaqMan method with the ABI 7900HT Real Time PCR system. Results: Our results revealed that three SNPs (rs1059279, rs1059829, rs1053411) were significantly associated with increased risk of CWP under an additive model (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.06–1.71, P = 0.015 for rs1059279; OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.03–1.39, P = 0.021 for rs1059829; OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.03–1.65, P = 0.025 for rs1053411). In the stratification analysis, significant associations were observed between each of these three SNPs and patients with 0–20 pack-years of smoking (OR = 1.73, 95%CI = 1.21–2.45 for rs1059279; OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.07–2.05 for rs105982; OR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.13–2.22 for rs1053411). Furthermore, the association between rs1059279 and CWP risk remained significant among subjects with over 27 years of exposure (OR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.03–1.56, P = 0.023). In the combined analysis of these five polymorphisms, individuals with multiple risk alleles had a higher risk of CWP (Ptrend = 0.015). Conclusion: Our results indicate that three functional SPARC SNPs are associated with an increased risk of CWP in a Chinese population. Further functional research and validation studies with diverse populations are warranted to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coal mining is considered as one of the dangerous occupations globally and poses many health problems to coal miners due to production and dispersion of fine coal dusts. This study was conducted with the objective to find the frequency of various occupational health problems and to recommend measures to reduce high morbidity and mortality among coal miners. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Community Medicine, Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan, among 400 coal miners of Cherat, district Nowshera of Khyber Pakthumkhwa, Pakistan from July 2012 to June 2013. Coal miners with more than six months job were included. Data collection through questionnaire was accompanied by history, general physical examination and investigations. The demographic variables were age, duration of coal mining, Job satisfaction, history of smoking and previous mine injuries and illness. Descriptive statistics were applied. SPSS version 17 was used for data analysis. Results: More than half of coal workers suffered from signs and symptoms of various occupational health problems with varying frequencies including Musculoskeletal (n=243), respiratory (n=209), gastrointestinal (n=191), nervous (n=91), dermatological (n=167), ear (n=116), nose & throat (n=134) and eye problems (n=140). Conclusion: The frequency of various occupational health problems is high among coal miners, involving almost every system of the body. It is suggested that education and training be provided to the coal miners, pre-placement and periodic medical examinations be arranged, dust control measures be adopted and their compliance be monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study to investigate the relationship between serum levels of Interleukin-8 (IL-8), necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) findings in retired coal workers. Topics discussed include measurement of serum cytokine level for the study, role of TGF-β in silicosis, and monoctye chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) produced by various inflammatory cells.

Objective: The role of occupational hazards in occupational injury may be mediated by individual factors across various age groups. This study assessed the role of occupational hazards as well as contribution of individual factors to injuries among Indian and French coalminers. Material and Methods: We conducted a case-control study on 245 injured workers and on 330 controls without any injuries from Indian coal mines using face-to-face interviews, and a retrospective study on 516 French coalminers using a self-administered questionnaire including potential occupational and personal factors. Data were analyzed using logistic models. Results: The annual rate of injuries was 5.5% for Indian coalminers and 14.9% for the French ones. Logistic model including all occupational factors showed that major injury causes were: hand-tools, material handling, machines, and environment/work-geological/strata conditions among Indian miners (adjusted odds-ratios 2.01 to 3.30) and biomechanical exposure score among French miners (adjusted odds-ratio 3.01 for score the 1-4, 3.47 for the score 5-7, and 7.26 for score ≥ 8, vs. score 0). Personal factors among Indian and French coalminers reduced/exacerbated the roles of various occupational hazards to a different extent depending on workers' age. Conclusion: We conclude that injury roles of occupational hazards were reduced or exacerbated by personal factors depending on workers' age in both populations. This knowledge is useful when designing prevention which should definitely consider workers' age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is being increasingly reported in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with worsened outcomes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as a marker of severity in the entire spectrum of acute pancreatitis and to ascertain the relationship between IAP and development of complications in patients with SAP. Methods: IAP was measured via the transvesical route by measurements performed at admission, once after controlling pain and then every 4 hours. Data were collected on the length of the hospital stay, the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiorgan failure, the extent of necrosis, the presence of infection, pleural effusion, and mortality. Results: In total, 40 patients were enrolled and followed up for 30 days. The development of IAH was exclusively associated with SAP with an APACHE II score ⩾8 and/or persistent SIRS, identifying all patients who were going to develop abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The presence of ACS was associated with a significantly increased extent of pancreatic necrosis, multiple organ failure, and mortality. The mean admission IAP value did not differ significantly from the value obtained after pain control or the maximum IAP measured in the first 5 days. Conclusions: IAH is reliable marker of severe disease, and patients who manifest organ failure, persistent SIRS, or an Acute Physiology and Chronic health Evaluation II score ⩾8 should be offered IAP surveillance. Severe pancreatitis is not a homogenous entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Coal mine dust exposure can cause both pneumoconiosis and chronic airflow limitation. The contributions of various pathophysiologic mechanisms to dust-related lung function decrements remain unclear. Methods Clinical and physiological findings were assessed for 15 underground coal miners who had demonstrated accelerated FEV1 losses (decliners) over 6-18 years. Decliners' findings were evaluated in comparison to a group of 11 miners who had shown relatively stable lung function (referents) during the same period. Results At follow-up examination, the decliners showed significantly greater mean airway resistance (10.47 vs. 6.78 cmH2O/L/s; P = 0.05) and more air trapping (RV/TLC = 37.5 vs. 29.1%; P < 0.01) compared to the referents. Decliners also demonstrated more evidence of small airways dysfunction and tended to have more bronchospasm than the referent group. Total lung capacity, lung compliance, diffusing capacity, and chest radiography did not differ significantly between the two groups. After cessation of mine dust exposures, the decliners' mean rate of FEV1 loss normalized. Conclusion In a series of working coal miners, accelerated lung function declines were associated with air trapping and evidence of small airways dysfunction. A preventive benefit from controlling dust exposures was suggested. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1107-1112, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The purpose of this study was to examine: (1) the prevalence of low back symptoms (LBS) and its consequences (reduced activities and absenteeism); (2) the association between occupational group and LBS; and (3) the association between LBS and its consequences. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of LBS in 1,294 Indonesian coal mining workers. A Cox proportional hazards model was developed to quantify the 12-monthly hazard of LBS. Logistic regression models were developed to identify risk factors for reduced activity and absenteeism from the workplace. Results The 12-month period prevalence for LBS, reduced activities, and absenteeism were 75%, 16%, and 13%, respectively. The 12-monthly hazard of LBS for blue-collar workers was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.06-3.25) times that of white-collar workers. LBS and smoking increased the risk of reduced activity and absenteeism. Conclusions Indonesian coal mining workers have a high prevalence of LBS. The findings imply that efforts to reduce LBS and in the workplace should focus on blue-collar workers. For smokers who report reduced activities and/or absenteeism, there should be a focus on rehabilitation and/or return-to-work programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:576-589, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the enforcement of the principal of the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration regarding significant and substantial violations which contribute to the cause and effect of a mine safety or health hazard. The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act applies when a federal mine inspector violates health or safety standard. It discusses the relevant provisions containing the significant and substantial language in the 1969 Coal Act and the 1977 Mine Act.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to investigate the probable changes in blood pressure of workers in coal mines. METHODS: In this study 91 workers, who worked in forwarding, preparation and exploitation units of coal mines and were in direct contact with carbon dioxide gas (from fireworks), have been selected as the case group, and 70 workers, who did not have direct contact with this gas, from other units were selected as the control group by simple random sampling method. The inclusion criteria were over 10 years of work experience and the age range of 30 to 45 years. The blood pressure values and their classification were determined based on the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention of Hypertension. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the case group were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mean diastolic blood pressure of workers in coal mines is less than other people due to the CO2 gas. A greater control of the existing gas in mines by relevant factors is required. Necessary medical care and support measures should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study presents geochemical data produced from the analysis of coal and adjacent rock samples retrieved from coal mining regions in the U.S. to examine mineral matter provenance. Study sites included the Northern Appalachian Basin, where the units of interest were the Lower Kittanning Coal bed, the overlying Columbiana Shale, and the underlying paleosol (Allegheny Formation). Additional study sites were located in the Central Appalachian Basin, where sampling was conducted on strata associated with multiple coal beds of Middle and Lower Pennsylvanian age. The Central Appalachian Basin rock and coal samples were much lower in overall mineral matter and contained very little carbonate (calcite and siderite) or pyrite mineralogy, which was common at the Northern Appalachian Basin sites. Elemental analysis of rock samples indicated a trend of enrichment in Ca, Mg, Mn, Na, and K cations in the immediate overburden compared to the underlying rock in the Central Appalachian Basin. A similar trend was observed in coal related strata from the Northern Appalachian Basin which was attributed to epigenetic marine incursions. Rare earth element (REE) concentrations were determined in the samples, and showed Eu and Ce anomalies when normalized by chondritic values. The total REE content of the overburden is generally less than that of the underlying rock units. Neodymium isotopic analysis of the Lower Kittanning coal, overburden, and paleosol from the Northern Basin indicate partial resetting of the Sm–Nd system close to the time of deposition. The data indicate a common Appalachian source for the clastic mineral matter in the overburden, underclay, and coal mineral matter. The geochemical findings of this study may provide a viable method for distinguishing respirable dust sources in both Appalachian Basins. There are potential applications for this research to aid in the respiratory health of underground coal miners. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers news briefs on the mining industry as of April 2012. A miner was exposed to high levels of gas at the Collinsville coal mine. The investigation on Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch coal mine disaster that killed 29 miners in West Virginia in 2011 was completed by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The South African government plans to test hundreds of thousands of miners for tuberculosis and ensure sufferers get treatment.

The article discusses a study conducted to investigate possible changes in health after a voluntary implementation of a new shift schedule among coal miners in Svea, Spitsbergen, Norway. It has been informed that the new shift schedule was periods of 14 day on and 14 day off, for 74 percent of the workers in 2007 and type of work, shift schedule, pain, sleep, stress and coping were examined before and after implementing the schedule.

Inhalation exposure to particulates such as cigarette smoke and coal dust is known to contribute to the development of chronic lung disease. The purpose of this study was to estimate the amount of elemental carbon (EC) deposits from autopsied lung samples from cigarette smokers, miners, and control subjects and explore the relationship between EC level, exposure history, and the extent of chronic lung disease. The samples comprised three subgroups representing never smokers (8), chronic cigarette smokers (26), and coal miners (6). Following the dissolution of lung tissue, the extracted EC residue was quantified using a thermal-optical transmission (TOT) carbon analyzer. Mean EC levels in the lungs of the control group were 56.68 ± 24.86 (SD) μg/g dry lung weight. Respective mean EC values in lung samples from the smokers and coal miners were 449.56 ± 320.3 μg/g and 6678.2 ± 6162 μg/g. These values were significantly higher than those obtained from the never-smoker group. EC levels in the lung and pack-years of cigarette smoking correlated significantly, as did EC levels and the severity of small airway disease. This study provides one of the first quantitative assessments of EC in human lungs from populations at high relative risk for the development of chronic lung disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]