Coal Mine Characteristics Associated with Progressive Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis.

摘要

The Coal Act of 1969 was the first effort to monitor working conditions for miners. Prior to the act more than 40% of coal miners were afflicted with coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP). The number of miners diagnosed with CWP steadily decreased after the Coal Act was passed. In 1999, only 2% of coal miners were diagnosed with CWP. However, for the first time since the Coal Act, the number of coal miners diagnosed with CWP is increasing. As of 2002, the rate increased from 2% to 3.2%, and the cases are appearing in clusters, known as hot spots. Current studies have examined mine size, ventilation, and dust control methods. Utilizing the principles of the epidemiologic triangle, this study explored the mine environment, examining the census of all underground bituminous coal mines, between 1983 and 2002, for mine characteristics of seam height, tons of clean coal produced, and mine size based on the number of employees for an association to hot spots. The number of violations to 30 Code of Federal Registry, Sections 70.100, 70.101, and 70.201, were examined for an increase between 1995 and 2002 to determine if hot spots received more citations. A longitudinal approach was used to examine the data for an association between the identified mine characteristics and hot spots. The study provided evidence that mine characteristics of seam height, coal production, and mine size are associated with the hot spots of CWP. Significantly, more citations were issued to the hot spots for violation to Section 70.101; thus, more mines in the hot spots exceeded the permissible respiratory dust limits when more than 5% quartz was present. The evidence of the identified associations provides direction for interventions and further studies.