An Assessment of Seasonal Variations on Dust Exposure for Mine Operators of Central India

India is a mineral rich country the resources of which play a pivotal role in India’s economic development. However, this is also accompanied with a significant contribution in fugitive dust emissions with different stages contributing directly as well as indirectly to air pollution and health hazards towards those involved in them. Mine workers as a direct consequence of their occupation are exposed to dust which in turn causes varied forms of pneumoconiosis based on the quantum of dust inhaled. The present study was conducted with an objective of studying personal dust exposure for Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operators working in iron ore mines and its allied plants (Crushing, Loading) in Central India. Trend of seasonal variations on personal dust exposure spread over two years for pre and post-monsoon sampling was also studied. Overall, the personal dust exposure was reported to be within stipulated Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) guidelines. Seasonal trends in case of mining operations viz. Heavy Earth Moving Machinery operators however, indicated that the post-monsoon phase of the second year had lower dust concentrations as compared to the previous year. A similar trend was observed for each category of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery except drills. Contrastingly slightly increased dust concentrations were observed in the pre-monsoon phase of the second year as compared to the first year. Not much of an effect on dust concentrations was however seen on the crusher plants due to seasonal variations.