Main description:

This book discusses a wide range of health-related mining issues, with particular reference to occupational diseases, metal toxicity, postural injuries in miners, modern fire safety controls, noise-induced hearing loss prevention, and noise mapping. Mining plays a central role in the development of modern civilization. By providing the essential raw materials, mining ensures progress, safety, and comfort of people. However, this necessary activity comes with several woes, the most important of which are occupational health hazards. Mines act as sources of constant danger and risk to the miners irrespective of the scale of mining, such as large-scale industrial mining or small-scale artisanal mining. Not only are there accidents, but continuous exposure to dust, metal toxicity, hazardous gases and fumes, and loud noises, giving rise to a variety of diseases to mine workers. The comprehensive coverage of issues and the case studies will make this book an essential reference and critical reading. Medical geology is a necessary discipline in earth sciences. Unfortunately, not much literature is available on this subject. Therefore, this book is essential for practicing engineers and supervisors in mines, health and safety professionals, researchers, and mining industry students.

Contents:

Part I. Health Hazards Due to Metal Toxicity
1. Detection and Remediation of Silicosis

2. Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis

3. Tuberculosis in Mine Workers

4. Metal Toxicity Due to Mining

5. Fluorosis

6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

7. Free Silica in Mining Dusts

8. Coal Fly Ash

9. Skin Diseases

Part II. Health Hazards Due to Physical Factors

10. Fire Hazards in Mines

11. Postural Injuries in Mines

12. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

13. Noise Mapping in Mines

14. Ergonomics in Mining

15. Disasters in Mines