Journal Watch- Silica In The Medical Literature This Month

Metal and Non-Metal Miners' Exposure to Crystalline Silica, 1998-2002

Journal: American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2006 May 11

Authors: J.L. Weeks, C. Rose

Summary: The authors obtained Mine Safety and Health Administration exposure measurements for the five-year period between 1998 and 2002 and calculated the average exposure by occupation and mine. The data were evaluated to see whether average values exceeded MSHA's permissible exposure limit or that recommended by NIOSH. Risk of exposure and high rate of exposure was also evaluated. The authors reported miners in certain jobs are exposed to silica at rates exceeding the aforementioned limits and that …