Respiratory outcomes among South African coal miners at autopsy

Naidoo, Rajen N.; Robins, Thomas G.; Murray, Jill

doi:10.1002/ajim.20207

Cited by 38 publications

(28 citation statements)

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“…Other researchers have reported silica concentrations in the gold mines as high as 54 % after acid washing and incineration [19]. The reported dust levels in the coal mines in South Africa are in the range of 0.9–2 mg/m 3 with silica content reportedly to be below the regulatory action level of 5 % [20], with the prevalence of TB on these mines ranging from 3.6 to 5.4 % [13]. Dust concentrations across studies may vary depending on the source, treatment and methods of analysis and these differences must be cautiously interpreted.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in underground copper miners in Zambia exposed to respirable silica: a cross-sectional study

Ngosa¹,

Naidoo²

2016

BMC Public Health

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BackgroundPulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among underground miners exposed to silica remains a global problem. Although well described in gold and coal mining, risk in other mining entities are not as well documented. This study aims to determine dust-related dose response risk for PTB among underground miners exposed to silica dust in Zambia's copper mines.MethodsA cross sectional study of in-service miners (n = 357) was conducted at Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI), Zambia. A systematic review of medical data over a 5-year period from assessments conducted by doctors at OHSI and statutory silica exposure data (n = 16678) from the Mine Safety Department (MSD) were analysed. Lifetime cumulative exposure metrics were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between PTB and lifetime exposure to silica, while adjusting for various confounders.ResultsThe median respirable silica dust level was 0.3 mg/m3 (range 0.1–1.3). The overall prevalence of PTB was 9.5 % (n = 34). High cumulative respirable silica dust category showed a statistically significant association with PTB (OR = 6.4 (95 % CI 1. 8–23)) and a significant trend of increasing disease prevalence with increasing cumulative respirable silica dust categories was observed (ptrend < 0.01). Smoking showed a statistically significant association with PTB with OR = 4.3 (95 % CI 1.9–9.9).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the association of increased risk for certified active TB with cumulative respirable dust in a dose related manner among this sample of copper miners. There is need to intensify dust control measures and incorporate anti-smoking interventions into TB prevention and control programmes in the mines.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This risk may persist after exposure ceases [12]. Despite lower prevalence among South African coal miners (5.2 %), increased risks for TB have also been described [13]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in underground copper miners in Zambia exposed to respirable silica: a cross-sectional study

Ngosa¹,

Naidoo²

2016

BMC Public Health

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“…A 33-year study has shown no reduction in the proportion of miners coming to autopsy with pathologic evidence of silicosis. 10 In addition to silicosis in gold and platinum mines due to exposure to silica, 11 there is coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) among coal mine workers 12 and asbestosis among workers and individuals who live in areas surrounding asbestos mines. 13 There is also a risk of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma in diamond mines since asbestos and asbestos-like deposits exist very close to diamond deposits.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…17 The prevalence of CWP has been determined to be 7.3%. 12 At the same time, the prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV among miners is said to be high. 18 Hazards from mineral processing…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hazards identified and the need for health risk assessment in the South African mining industry

et al. 2015

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Although mining plays a prominent role in the economy of South Africa, it is associated with many chemical hazards. Exposure to dust from mining can lead to many pathological effects depending on mineralogical composition, size, shape and levels and duration of exposure. Mining and processing of minerals also result in occupational exposure to toxic substances such as platinum, chromium, vanadium, manganese, mercury, cyanide and diesel particulate. South Africa has set occupational exposure limits (OELs) for some hazards, but mine workers are still at a risk. Since the hazard posed by a mineral depends on its physiochemical properties, it is recommended that South Africa should not simply adopt OELs from other countries but rather set her own standards based on local toxicity studies. The limits should take into account the issue of mixtures to which workers could be exposed as well as the health status of the workers. The mining industry is also a source of contamination of the environment, due inter alia to the large areas of tailings dams and dumps left behind. Therefore, there is need to develop guidelines for safe land-uses of contaminated lands after mine closure.

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“…Pneumoconiosis is still one of the most serious occupational disease over the world, especially in developing countries (Naidoo et al, 2005;Chen et al, 2012;Oyunbileg et al, 2011;Pingle et al, 2012). By the end of 2012, the total of pneumoconiosis patients is 727148 in china, which is 76.74% of the total number of occupational disease.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association between Polymorphisms of Interleukin-17A and Interleukin-17F Genes and Silicosis Susceptibility in Chinese Han People

Chen

Fan²,

Jin³

et al. 2014

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

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Respiratory outcomes among South African coal miners at autopsy

Abstract: There were significant dose related associations of disease, including emphysema, with coal dust exposure.

Cited by 38 publications

References 15 publications

The risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in underground copper miners in Zambia exposed to respirable silica: a cross-sectional study

The risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in underground copper miners in Zambia exposed to respirable silica: a cross-sectional study

Hazards identified and the need for health risk assessment in the South African mining industry

Association between Polymorphisms of Interleukin-17A and Interleukin-17F Genes and Silicosis Susceptibility in Chinese Han People

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