Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Abstract
Dust is an inherent byproduct of mining activities that raises notable health and safety concerns.
Cumulative inhalation of respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) can lead to diseases including coal
worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP), silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis, dust-related diffuse
fibrosis (DDF), and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). In the US, after the implementation of
the interim coal mine dust standard in 1970, and the final standard in 1972, the prevalence of CWP
and concentrations of coal mine dust began a steady decline. However, despite decades of efforts
in reducing coal mine diseases, CWP incidence rates among US miners began to unexpectedly
increase in the mid-1990s. The increase in the rate of CWP has renewed the urge among medical
and science researcher to investigate the primary root cause of the problem.
The objective of the proposed work is to investigate the characterization, deposition, monitoring,
and mitigation of RCMD. First, the RCMD characterization including size, shape, mineralogy,
and bio-accessibility will be comprehensively investigated. The investigators will utilize an
innovative Mobile Aerosol Lung Deposition Apparatus (MALDA) to study the relationship
between RCMD characteristics and respiratory deposition. Further, comprehensive research
studies will be conducted in order to understand the interaction of the particles with water droplets
and the ways that capturing-efficiency can be improved through modifications of water droplet
characteristics. Third, the accuracy, functionality, and application of two real-time coal dust and
silica dust monitoring instruments will be demonstrated. Finally, a predictive model will be
developed to identify and quantify the relationships between source, concentration,
characterization, and respiratory deposition of RCMD. In the end, the investigators will advance
the knowledge base by linking the physical characteristics and mineralogy of respirable coal mine
dust and optimum monitoring and mitigation techniques to be used in US underground coal mines.
1
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 9/15/23 → 9/15/24 |
Funding
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology: $127,251.00
Fingerprint
Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.