Abstract
Background: Mining of gold, taconite, and talc may involve exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMP). The involved EMPs are typically non-asbestiform, include dimensions that regulatory definitions exclude, and have been less studied. Methods: A review of the literature was undertaken for this exposure and occupational epidemiological studies that occur in gold, talc, and taconite mining. Results: Quantitative EMP exposure information in these industries is incomplete. However, there are consistent findings of pneumoconiosis in each of these types of mining. A recent case-control study suggests a possible association between this exposure and mesothelioma. Lung cancer is inconsistently reported in these industries and is an unlikely outcome of non-asbestiform EMP exposure. There is evidence of cardiovascular mortality excess across all of these types of mining. Conclusions: Non-malignant respiratory disease and cardiovascular mortality have been consistently increased in these industries. Further investigation, including additional insights for the role of non-asbestiform EMP, is warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1047–1060, 2016.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1047-1060 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
Volume | 59 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- elongate mineral particle
- epidemiology
- exposure assessment
- gold mining
- mining
- non-asbestiform
- taconite mining
- talc mining
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health