Study of coal dust spread in to the work environment in two coal mines in Damghan

Introduction: There have been many researches in specifying the airborne coal dusts in mines all over the world, but according to our knowledge there is no comprehensive information on health & safety conditions in mines in Semnan province. Data released by an interior source showing that around 10% of miners exposed to the inhalation of polluted air has been affected by respiratory diseases. The aim of this research is to find the amount of coal dust spread in to the mining work environment to find out the probable air pollution in different parts in these areas. Methods: Sample was taken from different parts at two mines according to methods suggested by authorized organizations (ACGIH). More than 30 air samples in working days were taken in different working days. Personal sampling was used and samples were sent to laboratory and analyzed by sample weighting and compared by standards proposed by Niosh (National Institute of Occupational Safety and health). It should be mentioned that respirable & total dust samples were taken. Results: In areas with condensed population of workers in areas where workers spent more working times exported to higher concentration of coal dusts in comparison with standard concentration. This was more times for respirable dusts in attracting areas and in horizontal tunnels it was six times more than limit value. Total dust was for higher than limit values. Conclusion: Results showed that the level of air pollution in areas under investigation had been higher than the limits and undoubtedly it would be a serious threat to all workers engaged in these areas. Thus immediate measurers must be taken to remove pollution and maintain workers health.