Скачать или смотреть Mineral Dusts Poisoning or Pollution; Sources, Health Effects of Mineral Dust Exposure

Mineral dust pollution is a serious environmental and occupational health concern, especially in industries like mining, construction, and earthmoving. These tiny airborne particles—often invisible to the naked eye—can cause long-term damage to human health, ecosystems, and even the climate.

🌫️ What Is Mineral Dust Pollution?
Mineral dust pollution refers to the release of fine particulate matter from activities such as:

Mining and quarrying

Earthmoving and excavation

Crushing and grinding of rocks

Transportation of raw materials

These dusts often contain silica, asbestos, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds, depending on the mineral source2.

🧠 Health Effects of Mineral Dust Exposure
Condition Cause
Pneumoconiosis Inhalation of silica or coal dust
Silicosis Chronic exposure to crystalline silica
Asbestosis Exposure to asbestos fibers
Lung cancer Long-term exposure to carcinogenic dusts
Asthma & Bronchitis Irritation from fine particulate matter
Cardiovascular disease Systemic inflammation triggered by dust
Even low-level chronic exposure can lead to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and impaired lung function.

🌍 Environmental Impact
Air pollution: Dust contributes to poor air quality, affecting both urban and rural populations.

Soil degradation: Settling dust alters soil chemistry and reduces fertility.

Water pollution: Dust particles can contaminate water sources through runoff.

Biodiversity loss: Toxic minerals can poison plants and animals, disrupting ecosystems.

🏗️ Occupational Risk Factors
Workers in mining and construction face elevated risks due to:

Prolonged exposure without adequate protective gear

Poor ventilation in confined spaces

Lack of standardized dust monitoring protocols

🛡️ Prevention & Control
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators

Wet drilling and dust suppression systems

Air quality monitoring and regulatory enforcement

Transition to clean mining technologies and sustainable practices

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