Abstract:
Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012-2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.
摘要:
北极矿工面临柴油废气和粉尘暴露的重大风险,可能导致不良的呼吸道健康。雇主必须限制有害暴露,使用个人防护装备(PPE)作为最后一道防线。这项研究探讨了报告的呼吸道暴露与症状之间的关系,以及PPE培训和使用。MineHealth研究(2012-2014)的数据包括挪威的453名北极露天矿矿工,瑞典,和芬兰。参与者回答了有关暴露于灰尘和柴油废气的问题,呼吸道症状,和PPE的使用,除了年龄,性别,BMI,吸烟,和自我评价的健康。估计接触灰尘很常见,91%的报告,80%,82%和柴油废气的84%,43%,瑞典47%的工人,芬兰,挪威,分别。报告的粉尘暴露与呼吸道症状显着相关(OR2.2,95%CI1.3-3.7),柴油暴露增加了喘息的发生(OR2.6,95%CI1.3-5.4)。PPE的使用在所研究的矿山之间有所不同。不使用很常见,与能见度降低有关,湿度,皮肤刺激和呼吸PPE起雾。未来的研究应该采用更精确的暴露评估,呼吸功能以及探索PPE使用不合规背后的原因。