| Summary: | Background: Exposure to respirable dust (RES) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is common in
mining operations and is associated with health effects such as pneumoconiosis, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and renal disease.
Methods: This study used industry occupational exposure data for respirable dust from two surface
lithium mines in Western Australia for the period between 2017 and 2023. A total of 1122 samples were
collected in workgroups across four departments - administration and support, mining, crushing and
processing, and maintenance.
Results: The study found that the overall RES concentration did not exceed the exposure standard.
However, Crusher Dry/Wet Plant Personnel (0.558 mg/m3) and Workshop Boilermakers (0.842 mg/m3)
recorded elevated exposure to RES. The highest mean exposures for RCS over the seven-year study period
were measured for Management Administration & Technical (0.068 mg/m3), followed by Crusher Dry/
Wet Plant Personnel (0.042 mg/m3), exceeding the ES. Maximum results for both RES (15.00 mg/m3) and
RCS (2.50 mg/m3) indicated exceedances.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a decline in exposure to RES over the seven years of study from
0.472 mg/m3 to 0.151 mg/m3, with a slight increase in 2019 and 2022. A decline in the concentration of
RCS was observed between 2019 -2021, followed by an increase after 2021. The mean concentration of
RCS exceeded the exposure standard in 2023. Based on the study results and the established adverse
health effects associated with exposure to silica, various control measures to protect workers from RCS
exposure should be considered.
|
|---|