4 Reasons to Monitor Air at the Mine

Coal miners and residents living near mines are being exposed to more harmful dust than previously thought, according to an analysis reported in ABC Tropical North. One of the key points in the research finds that as coal production increases, levels of harmful dust particles in areas nearby also rise.

If you’ve been around a mining site, you know that the environment is less than pristine because of the dust and smoke. In addition to the dust and toxic elements within the mine itself, because mining sites are usually remote, they often utilize coal-fired power plants to supply power. The burning of coal releases many pollutants, including sulfur (SO2) and particulate matter. The smokestacks from these power plants also emit greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), which are detrimental to the environment and health.

To comply with environmental guidelines, mining companies need to monitor the emissions from the smokestacks, the air surrounding area and the dust and toxic elements enveloping the miners themselves.

1. Ambient Air Monitoring

Governmental agencies continue to work toward developing regulations that minimize the release of pollutants and harmful toxins in the air by coal-fired power plants. Using proven and reliable technology helps ensure ambient air quality complies with local environmental regulations, allowing all of us to breathe easier. Air quality monitoring systems can measure air quality, low and high levels of criteria pollutants, as well as other gases and toxins, and helps ensure ambient air quality complies with local environmental regulations (SO2, NOx, CO, Ozone, PM 2.5/ PM10)

Read What is Ambient Air?
Learn more about Ambient Gas Monitoring and Ambient Particulate Monitoring

2. Fugitive Dust Monitoring

Fugitive dust, which could be hazardous to health, refers to particulate that is lifted into the air either by man-made or natural activities in large open areas. Fugitive dust is typically the result from activities such as the physical movement of soil, vehicles traveling over unpaved surfaces, heavy equipment operation, blasting, and wind – all found in mining operations. Dust monitors utilize highly sensitive light-scattering photometer (nephelometer) technology and provide continuous measurements of the concentrations of airborne particles.

Read Is Your Fugitive Dust Control Plan Effective Enough?
Learn about Area Dust Monitors

3. Personal Dust Monitoring

Real-time, accurate coal mine dust measurements are critical toward providing data to the miner to permit them to take appropriate action to minimize their exposure to coal dust. Personal dust monitors help ensure the shift-average respirable dust exposure does not exceed regulatory limits, which is the first line of defense in preventing devastating long-term health effects such as Black Lung Disease.

4. Radiation Monitoring

Coal miners can be exposed to radiation emitted from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) such as uranium and thorium. Personal radiation dosimeters (some of these instruments are referred to as handheld Geiger counters) can be used to monitor radiation exposure, and the data read from the dosimeters can be used to help coal mines introduce additional radiation protection measures.

Read Mitigating Radiation Exposure in the Coal Mine
Learn about Personal Radiation Dosimeters and Monitoring Devices

By utilizing the latest technologies to monitor the environment within and around the mining site, workers and the public may be able to breathe a little easier.

Post Author: Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane.