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Re-evaluation of radiological evidence from a study of US strip coal miners

Journal Article · · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)
OSTI ID:5898481
In 1972, the US Public Health Service examined 1438 workers employed at seven bituminous and one anthracite US strip coal mine. One conclusion from the study was that workers without previous dust exposures were not at risk of category 2 or higher pneumoconiosis from their strip coal mining environment. Because of recent concerns for silicosis among strip coal miners, the radiographs were reinterpreted and the data re-evaluated. In addition, data from respirable coal mine dust samples collected from 1972 to 1979 in all surface coal mines were analyzed. The results showed that category 2 or higher pneumoconiosis was prevalent among strip coal miners with experience in an underground coal mine. Among those without underground coal mine experience, category 2 or higher was prevalent among anthracite strip miners, but not among bituminous strip miners. Average respirable coal mine dust exposures in the anthracite mine were less than 1 mg/m/sup 3/ prior to 1975 and, coupled with the radiographic findings, suggest further study of the efficacy of the 2 mg/m/sup 3/ US Federal surface coal mine dust standard in anthracite coal mines.
Research Organization:
Appalachian Lab. for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV
OSTI ID:
5898481
Journal Information:
Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 39:5; ISSN AEHLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English