DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate self-reported respiratory symptoms and medical examinations of underground mine workers in soapstone mines, establish a relationship between respiratory illness factors and their symptoms, and analyze the impact of soapstone dust on the respiratory system using Structural Equation Modelling.

Methodology

Data was collected through questionnaires from 200 underground soapstone mine workers and medical examinations (including chest X-rays) of 60 selected workers. Dust samples were analyzed for composition, particle size, and shape using XRD, EDS, and SEM. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and regression analysis were used to investigate relationships between dust characteristics, PPE use, worker demographics, and respiratory symptoms.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Collect Dust Samples] --> B[Analyze Dust Composition, Size, Shape];
    A --> C[Collect Questionnaire Data from Workers];
    C --> D[Select Workers for Medical Exam];
    D --> E[Conduct Medical Examinations];
    B --> F[SEM & Regression Analysis];
    E --> F;
    C --> F;
    F --> G[Analyze Relationships & Draw Conclusions];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the significant health risks posed by soapstone dust in underground mines, particularly silicosis due to the high silica content and small particle size. The high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and infections among workers underscores the inadequacy of current safety measures. The SEM analysis confirms a strong link between dust exposure (inhalation and severity) and respiratory issues, while also demonstrating the protective effect of PPE. The findings suggest that prolonged exposure leads to worsening conditions, with older workers and those with longer work histories experiencing more severe infections.

Key Findings

- Soapstone dust from Sherwan mines is primarily composed of silica with small, inhalable, and respirable particle sizes.
- Approximately 85% of workers reported experiencing respiratory symptoms such as cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, sneezing, and fever.
- Medical examinations revealed that about 80% of workers have lung infections, ranging from mild to severe.
- Dust inhalation (β = 0.485, p < 0.001) and dust severity (β = 0.207, p < 0.05) have significant positive effects on symptom occurrence, with dust inhalation having a stronger impact.
- Increased use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is associated with a decrease in respiratory symptoms (β = -0.158, p < 0.05).
- Respiratory symptoms tend to appear after approximately 3 years of work experience and become severe after about 16 years.

Conclusion

Soapstone dust in the Sherwan mines poses a substantial threat to the respiratory health of mine workers. The study confirms a strong correlation between dust exposure and the incidence and severity of respiratory symptoms and lung infections. Effective interventions, including improved ventilation, dust control measures, consistent use of PPE, and comprehensive worker training, are crucial to mitigate these health risks and safeguard the well-being of mine workers.

Fact Check

- Approximately 80% of workers have lung infections, confirmed by medical examinations.
- Dust inhalation has a stronger effect on symptom occurrence (β = 0.485, p < 0.001) than dust severity (β = 0.207, p < 0.05).
- The use of PPE shows a statistically reliable relationship in lessening the effects of dust exposure on symptoms (β = -0.158, p < 0.05).

Mind Map