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Mining Publication: Characterizing Particle Size Distributions of Crystalline Silica in Gold Mine Dust
Keywords: Particle size distribution Silica dust
Original creation date: January 2017
Authors: LG Chubb, E Cauda
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2017
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NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20049120
Aerosol Air Qual Res 2017 Jan; 17(1):24-33
Dust containing crystalline silica is common in mining environments in the U.S. and around the world. The exposure to respirable crystalline silica remains an important occupational issue and it can lead to the development of silicosis and other respiratory diseases. Little has been done with regard to the characterization of the crystalline silica content of specific particle sizes of mine-generated dust. Such characterization could improve monitoring techniques and control technologies for crystalline silica, decreasing worker exposure to silica and preventing future incidence of silicosis. Three gold mine dust samples were aerosolized in a laboratory chamber. Particle size-specific samples were collected for gravimetric analysis and for quantification of silica using the Microorifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI). Dust size distributions were characterized via aerodynamic and scanning mobility particle sizers (APS, SMPS) and gravimetrically via the MOUDI. Silica size distributions were constructed using gravimetric data from the MOUDI and proportional silica content corresponding to each size range of particles collected by the MOUDI, as determined via X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopic quantification of silica. Results indicate that silica does not comprise a uniform proportion of total dust across all particle sizes and that the size distributions of a given dust and its silica component are similar but not equivalent. Additional research characterizing the silica content of dusts from a variety of mine types and other occupational environments is necessary in order to ascertain trends that could be beneficial in developing better monitoring and control strategies.
Cover image for Characterizing Particle Size Distributions of Crystalline Silica in Gold Mine DustPeer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2017
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20049120
Aerosol Air Qual Res 2017 Jan; 17(1):24-33
See Also
Control of Respirable Dust
Crystalline Silica Analysis: A Comparison of Calibration Materials and Recent Coal Mine Dust Size Distributions
Effects of Sintered Metal Diesel Particulate Filter System on Diesel Aerosols and Nitric Oxides in Mine Air
Evaluating Portable Infrared Spectrometers for Measuring the Silica Content of Coal Dust
Improving Silica Dust Control Through Targeted Research
An Inexpensive Dual-Chamber Particle Monitor: Laboratory Characterization
NIOSH Hazard ID 1 - Exposure to Silica Dust on Continuous Mining Operations Using Flooded-Bed Scrubbers
Respirable Crystalline Silica Characteristics and Sources in U.S. Underground Coal Mines
A Review of Occupational Silica Exposures on Continuous Mining Operations
Silica Dust Sources in Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines - Two Case Studies
Page last reviewed: February 27, 2017
Page last updated: February 27, 2017
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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