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Review of Diesel Particulate Matter Control Methods in Underground Mines

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Proceedings of the 11th International Mine Ventilation Congress

Abstract

Diesel-powered equipment is widely used in the mining industry due to its superb performance, cost-effectiveness, efficiency as well as durability. However, there is a potential for miners in underground mines to be overexposed to high concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM) with the increasing use of diesel engines. In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified DPM as a carcinogen to humans (group 1) based on sufficient evidence from animal and epidemiological studies. Regulations and control methods have been developed to minimize DPM health hazard in underground mines. This paper firstly reviewed the health effects of DPM on humans based on related animal and epidemiological studies. Findings indicated that both short- and long-term exposure to high concentrations of DPM have adverse impacts (acute irritation, asthma, cough, light-headedness, lung cancer, etc.) on humans, and a recommended limit of DPM concentration (0.1 mg/m3, measured as element carbon) should be established to help reduce miners’ risk of lung cancer. The effects of DPM control methods were also evaluated, which include source controls and exposure controls. Finally, an optimum DPM controlling strategy was obtained to lower DPM concentrations and provide a safe and healthy working environment for miners.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering, Western Australian School of Mines, Curtin University, Kalgoorlie, 6430, Australia

    Ping Chang & Guang Xu

Authors
  1. Ping Chang
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  2. Guang Xu
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Correspondence to Ping Chang .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

    Xintan Chang

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Chang, P., Xu, G. (2019). Review of Diesel Particulate Matter Control Methods in Underground Mines. In: Chang, X. (eds) Proceedings of the 11th International Mine Ventilation Congress. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1420-9_39

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