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In recent years, the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) has played a pivotal role in analysing respirable and inhalable ambient air samples collected on filters from both underground coal and metalliferous mines. Leveraging backscattered electron (BSE) image analysis and X-ray mineral identification, the MLA offers automated quantitative mineral characterization. The escalating prevalence and severity of mine dust lung diseases, particularly among young miners, have reignited interest in comprehensively understanding the dust's characterization, encompassing mineralogy, particle size, and shape. Merely measuring total respirable dust exposure and its duration based on gravimetrically determined weight is no longer deemed sufficient in addressing the evolving landscape of occupational health challenges in mining environments. Since the publication of previous studies, efforts have been dedicated to refining the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) methodology for respirable dust sampling. This refinement, discussed in detail in this paper, encompasses various enhancements, such as the implementation of data checks to identify carbon contamination, backscattered electron (BSE) drift, and the misclassification of X-ray spectra. Additionally, an examination of sampling efficiency led to the exploration of using smaller samples as an alternative to the time-intensive analysis of entire filters. Furthermore, this paper presents a reanalysis of paired filter sample sets previously reported using the Sarver Group Methodology. These samples are subjected to analysis using the Mineral Liberation Analyser, providing a more detailed illustration of the outputs derived from the updated methodology and compared to previously published MLA data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States has witnessed a concerning surge in the incidence of diseases like Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP), despite numerous efforts aimed at prevention. This study delves into the realm of respiratory health by investigating the deposition of dust particles within the respiratory tract and lungs. By analyzing particles of varying sizes, shapes, velocities, and aerodynamic diameters, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact on deposition patterns. This insight could potentially drive changes in dust exposure protocols within mining environments and improve monitoring practices. The interplay of several critical factors, including particle characteristics and an individual's breathing patterns, plays a pivotal role in determining whether particles settle in the lungs or are exhaled. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review on Respirable Coal Mine Dust (RCMD), with a specific focus on examining particle deposition across different regions of the airway system and lungs. Additionally, we explore the utility of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in simulating particle behavior within the respiratory system. Predicting the precise behavior of dust particles within the respiratory airway poses a significant challenge. However, through numerical simulations, we aspire to enhance our understanding of strategies to mitigate total lung deposition by comprehensively modeling particle interactions within the respiratory system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Silicosis has been one of the most serious occupational public health problems worldwide for many decades. The global burden of silicosis is largely unknown, although it is thought to be more prevalent in low and medium-income countries. Individual studies among workers exposed to silica dust in various industries, however, reveal a high prevalence of silicosis in India. This paper is an updated review of the novel challenges and opportunities for silicosis prevention and control in India. Main body: The unregulated informal sector employs workers on contractual appointment thereby insulating the employers from legislative provisions. Due to a lack of awareness of the serious health risks and low-income levels, symptomatic workers tend to disregard the symptoms and continue working in dusty environments. To prevent any future dust exposure, the workers must be moved to an alternative job in the same factory where they will not be exposed to silica dust. Government regulatory bodies, on the other hand, must guarantee that factory owners relocate workers to another vocation as soon as they exhibit signs of silicosis. Technological advances such as artificial intelligence and machine learning might assist industries in implementing effective and cost-saving dust control measures. A surveillance system needs to be established for the early detection and tracking of all patients with silicosis. A pneumoconiosis elimination program encompassing health promotion, personal protection, diagnostic criteria, preventive measures, symptomatic management, prevention of silica dust exposure, treatment, and rehabilitation is felt important for wider adoption. Conclusion: Silica dust exposure and its consequences are fully preventable, with the benefits of prevention considerably outweighing the benefits of treating patients with silicosis. A comprehensive national health program on silicosis within the public health system would strengthen surveillance, notification, and management of workers exposed to silica dust in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, coal remains one of the natural resources that provide power to the world. Thousands of people are involved in coal collection, processing, and transportation. Particulate coal dust is produced during these processes, which can crush the lung structure of workers and cause pneumoconiosis. There is no automated system for detecting and monitoring diseases in coal miners, except for specialist radiologists. This paper proposes ensemble learning techniques for detecting pneumoconiosis disease in chest X-ray radiographs (CXRs) using multiple deep learning models. Three ensemble learning techniques (simple averaging, multi-weighted averaging, and majority voting (MVOT)) were proposed to investigate performances using randomised cross-folds and leave-one-out cross-validations datasets. Five statistical measurements were used to compare the outcomes of the three investigations on the proposed integrated approach with state-of-the-art approaches from the literature for the same dataset. In the second investigation, the statistical combination was marginally enhanced in the ensemble of multi-weighted averaging on a robust model, CheXNet. However, in the third investigation, the same model elevated accuracies from 87.80 to 90.2%. The investigated results helped us identify a robust deep learning model and ensemble framework that outperformed others, achieving an accuracy of 91.50% in the automated detection of pneumoconiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are developing a joint methodology for estimating the national and global work-related burden of disease and injury (WHO/ILO joint methodology), with contributions from a large network of experts. In this paper, we present the protocol for two systematic reviews of parameters for estimating the number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years attributable to pneumoconiosis from occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres, to inform the development of the WHO/ILO joint methodology. Objectives We aim to systematically review studies on occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres (Systematic Review 1) and systematically review and meta-analyse estimates of the effect of occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres on pneumoconiosis (Systematic Review 2), applying the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology as an organizing framework. Data sources Separately for Systematic Reviews 1 and 2, we will search electronic academic databases for potentially relevant records from published and unpublished studies, including Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and CISDOC. We will also search electronic grey literature databases, Internet search engines and organizational websites; hand-search reference list of previous systematic reviews and included study records; and consult additional experts. Study eligibility and criteria We will include working-age (≥15 years) study participants in the formal and informal economy in any WHO and/or ILO Member State but exclude children (<15 years) and unpaid domestic workers. Eligible risk factors will be dusts and/or fibres from: (i) asbestos; (ii) silica; and/or (iii) coal (defined as pure coal dust and/or dust from coal mining). Included outcomes will be (i) asbestosis; (ii) silicosis; (iii) coal worker pneumoconiosis; and (iv) unspecified pneumoconiosis. For Systematic Review 1, we will include quantitative prevalence studies of occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres (i.e. no versus any exposure) stratified by country, sex, age and industrial sector or occupation. For Systematic Review 2, we will include randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and other non-randomized intervention studies with an estimate of any occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres on the prevalence of, incidence of or mortality due to pneumoconiosis, compared with the theoretical minimum risk exposure level of no exposure. Study appraisal and synthesis methods At least two review authors will independently screen titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria at a first stage and full texts of potentially eligible records at a second stage, followed by extraction of data from qualifying studies. At least two review authors will assess risk of bias and the quality of evidence, using the most suited tools currently available. For Systematic Review 2, if feasible, we will combine relative risks using meta-analysis. We will report results using the guidelines for accurate and transparent health estimates reporting (GATHER) for Systematic Review 1 and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines (PRISMA) for Systematic Review 2. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018084131. Highlights • A protocol was prepared for two systematic reviews in the field of occupational health. • Principles of the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology were applied. • The protocol detailed instructions how to assess the quality of selected studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the significance of anthracosis in the tracheobronchial tree, lung parenchyma, and even non-respiratory organs has been postulated and discussed in association with other diseases, especially tuberculosis. We reviewed the current literature by using the following key words in Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases: anthracosis, anthracofibrosis, anthracotic bronchitis, biomass fuels, and mixed-dust pneumoconiosis. The bibliographies of eligible papers were also reviewed for further relevant articles. A total of 37 studies were assessed. The content of these studies was then divided into specific categories. Considering the pathogenesis, along with histopathological, radiological, and bronchoscopic results regarding anthracotic lesions, we suggest these findings be defined as "ANTHRACOSIS SYNDROME". For the first time, we describe a syndrome involving black pigmentation, which was previously thought to involve only the tracheobronchial tree. Until recently, it was not considered to be a single syndrome with different sites of involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent resurgence in coal workers' pneumoconiosis (or "black lung") and concerns over other related respiratory illnesses have highlighted the need to elucidate characteristics of airborne particulates in occupational environments. A better understanding of particle size, aspect ratio, or chemical composition may offer new insights regarding causal factors of such illnesses. Scanning electron microscopy analysis using energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) can be used to estimate these particle characteristics. If conducted manually, such work can be very time intensive, limiting the number of particles that can be analyzed. Moreover, potential exists for user bias in interpretation of EDX spectra. A computer-controlled (CC) routine, on the other hand, can allow similar analysis at a much faster rate, increasing total particle counts and reproducibility of results. This paper describes a CCSEM-EDX routine specifically developed for analysis of respirable dust samples from coal mines. The routine is verified based on reliability of results obtained on samples of known materials, and reproducibility of results obtained on a set of 10 dust samples collected in the field. The characteristics of the field samples are also discussed with respect to mine occupational environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposure to respirable dust containing silica leads to pneumoconiosis/silicosis. The disease is irreversible and incurable, and only preventive steps such as job rotation, use of personal protective equipment, etc., remain solutions to the problem. Under such a situation, early diagnosis or prediction may become very useful to control the disease. Biomarkers are biological parameters in blood serum that change their values with deposition of dust in the lung and onset of lung fi brosis. Since these biomarkers can help us to diagnose and in the prognosis of the disease before it is actually diagnosed by the conventional X-ray technique and lung function test used for diagnosis of silicosis. The present paper describes the various types of available biomarkers, their application and usefulness. The paper also suggests that further study of the behavior/level of these biomarkers on a specifi c subject with time may provide more useful information of a confi rmatory nature for prevention of dust-linked diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current paper set out to investigate the level of asbestos fiber and asbestos body in sputum and assayed of haematological factors, liver enzymes and pulmonary function test in asbestos exposed group. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a total number of 100 subjects. The case group included 50 male workers with the age range of 25-60 who had at least worked for five years in the asbestos-cement factory. Control subjects consisted of 50 people who had no history of occupational exposure to asbestos. Lung function tests were measured with a portable calibrated vitalograph-PFT spirometer. liver enzymes were assayed with Pars Azmoon kits. Counts of red blood cells and white blood cells were assayed with a cell counter. We used light polarizan microscope to study the level of asbestos fiber and asbestos body in sputum. Results: Asbestos fiber observed in sputum sample of workers and type of asbestos fiber is chrysotile. Asbestos bodies were found in only 10% of the workers. Decrease (but not significant) in lung function factors (FVC, FEV1, FVC/FEV1) had been seen in the workers in compare with control group. WBC, Eosinophil, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and liver enzymes levels were significantly higher (but in normal range) in workers as compared with the control group. Conclusion: Presence of asbestos fiber and asbestos body in workers sputum samples showed workers exposure to asbestos and reduced level (insignificant) of lung function factors and increased level of leukocyte may be indicated pulmonary inflammation. These results also suggested that occupational exposure to asbestos dust may perturb liver mal function parameters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational exposure to silica occurs at workplaces in factories like quartz crushing facilities (silica flour milling), agate, ceramic, slate pencil, glass, stone quarries and mines, etc., Non-occupational exposure to silica dust can be from industrial sources in the vicinity of the industry as well as non-industrial sources. Recently, public concern regarding non-occupational or ambient exposure to crystalline silica has emerged making it important to gather information available on non-occupational exposures to silica dust and non-occupational silicosis. This paper reviews various non-occupational exposures reported in literature including some studies by the author. Methodology used in assessment of non-occupational exposures, standards for non-occupational exposures to silica dust and indirect estimation of cumulative risk % are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asbestos causes lung fibrosis known as asbestosis as well as cancers such as malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos is a mineral silicate containing iron, magnesium, and calcium with a core of SiO2. The immunological effect of silica, SiO2, involves the dysregulation of autoimmunity because of the complications of autoimmune diseases found in silicosis. Asbestos can therefore cause alteration of immunocompetent cells to result in a decline of tumor immunity. Additionally, due to its physical characteristics, asbestos fibers remain in the lung, regional lymph nodes, and the pleural cavity, particularly at the opening sites of lymphatic vessels. Asbestos can induce chronic inflammation in these areas due to the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. As a consequence, immunocompetent cells can have their cellular and molecular features altered by chronic and recurrent encounters with asbestos fibers, and there may be modification by the surrounding inflammation, all of which eventually lead to decreased tumor immunity. In this paper, the brief results of our investigation regarding reduction of tumor immunity of immunocompetent cells exposed to asbestos in vitro are discussed, as are our findings concerned with an investigation of chronic inflammation and analyses of peripheral blood samples derived from patients with pleural plaque and mesothelioma that have been exposed to asbestos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past 20 years number of definitive occupational diseases has not increased above 1500 case/year according to official statistics in Turkey. Although pneumoconiosis is the most diagnosed occupational disease, incidence of pneumoconiosis is very low. The present paper aims at reaching conclusions on the true dimension of the pneumoconiosis problem by evaluating whole the studies and case presentations related to coal mine dust and crystalline silica exposure within occupational environment. Regarding the results of the workplace-based studies it could be predicted that 20,000 out of 220,000 workers in mining sector could have pneumoconiosis and approximately 5,000 new pneumoconiosis cases might have occurred each year. Case presentations show highlevel dust exposures present at the work places. These working conditions might cause acute pneumoconiosis. Poor working conditions exist especially at small and micro scale establishments. In Turkey, infrastructural and superstructural problems on workplace supervision and follow-up, legal processes on workers. health are complicated. Turkey has to provide healthy working conditions to those small-scale workplaces. Providing relevant assistance with activating people of the developed countries should be on top of the global efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) exposure is associated with black lung and silicosis diseases in underground miners. Although only RCMD mass and silica concentrations are regulated, it is possible that particle size, surface area, and other chemical constituents also contribute to its adverse health effects. This review summarizes measurement technologies for RCMD mass concentrations, morphology, size distributions, and chemical compositions, with examples from published efforts where these methods have been applied. Some state-of-the-art technologies presented in this paper have not been certified as intrinsically safe, and caution should be exerted for their use in explosive environments. RCMD mass concentrations are most often obtained by filter sampling followed by gravimetric analysis, but recent requirements for real-time monitoring by continuous personal dust monitors (CPDM) enable quicker exposure risk assessments. Emerging low-cost photometers provide an opportunity for a wider deployment of real-time exposure assessment. Particle size distributions can be determined by microscopy, cascade impactors, aerodynamic spectrometers, optical particle counters, and electrical mobility analyzers, each with unique advantages and limitations. Different filter media are required to collect integrated samples over working shifts for comprehensive chemical analysis. Teflon membrane filters are used for mass by gravimetry, elements by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, rare-earth elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and mineralogy by X-ray diffraction. Quartz fiber filters are analyzed for organic, elemental, and brown carbon by thermal/optical methods and non-polar organics by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Polycarbonate-membrane filters are analyzed for morphology and elements by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray, and quartz content by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The current primary federal dust standard for US underground coal miners of 2 mg/m³ respirable dust is based on British epidemiological information on exposure-response derived in 1969. Since then, much new information has become available. This paper reviews and compares the available information as it relates to the US mining situation. methods. Recent exposure-response information on pneumoconiosis and dust exposure derived by British researchers was employed to estimate working-life risks of pneumoconiosis for miners exposed to 2 mg/m³. Results. It is estimated that close to 9% of underground coal miners who work for 40 years in a 2 mg/m³ environment would develop pneumoconiosis (category 1 or greater). Progressive massive fibrosis would develop in 0.7%. Conclusions. There are unresolved questions relating to the validity of extrapolating findings on British mines and miners to the US and also in predicting disease levels at the low end of the dust exposure spectrum. Given the data available, current information suggests miners who are employed for a working life-time at the current federal dust limit of 2 mg/m³ are still at risk of developing pneumoconiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]