Silica exposure among miners at high altitude. Inhaled dose and evaluation methods in hypobaric environments

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate silica exposure among Chilean miners at high altitude, using different methodological approaches, for the purpose of determining the safest method to control exposures. 

Methods: The 46 miners in the sample worked at 3000 meters above sea level in nonstandard work shifts, consisting of four consecutive 12-hour days, followed by four consecutive days off. Silica samples were obtained in each of the jobs positions of these 46 high-altitude miners. The results of the concentrations are presented in mg/m3. Exposures were evaluated in compatison to the Threshold Limit Value (Method 1) and using two other methodologies that incorporate respiratory parameters (Methods 2 and 3). The proportion of miners at risk was determined with each of these methods and compared.

Results: Based on the Threshold Limit Value (Method 1), 43.48% of miners were classified as being at risk. With the other two methods that incorporate respiratory parameters, the proportion of overexposed miners was 82.61% with Method 2, and 73.91% with Method 3.

Conclusions: Of the three methods analyzed, the one that considers the respiratory parameter minute volume, through the estimation of the inhaled dose, is the safest to define the group of miners at risk due to exposure to silica at high altitude.