New mud testing methodology higher protects staff from lung illnesses

A brand new mud testing methodology developed by College of Queensland researchers gives staff higher safety from illnesses akin to black lung and silicosis.

Chief of the Mud and Respiratory Well being Program on the Sustainable Minerals Institute Nikky LaBranche mentioned the escalating prevalence of mud lung illnesses, particularly amongst younger Australians, made the scientific group realise a brand new method was wanted.

“Publicity monitoring for mud and silica is at present based mostly on the load of particles however this overlooks many particulars that we’re starting to know have vital well being results,” Ms LaBranche mentioned.

“The methodology we’ve developed takes an in-depth have a look at particle traits akin to measurement, form, and mineral make-up, together with their potential to group collectively.

“This stuff weren’t potential beforehand due to value and know-how however we’ve used a Mineral Liberation Analyser which is a specialised sort of scanning electron microscope.

“It may possibly measure the scale and form of particular person particles and create a mineral map throughout them.

“That is essential as a result of the lighter and smaller particles are extra simply breathed in to pose a well being hazard, one thing which is neglected in standard weight testing.

“We might additionally see that the mineralogy of mud at sizes sufficiently small to enter the lungs is mostly of various concentrations than the mud supply as a result of some minerals break into the scale of concern extra simply.”

Since 2019, Queensland Well being has recorded at the very least 885 circumstances of Queensland staff being identified with a dust-related lung illnesses, principally within the mining and quarrying, building, and manufacturing industries.

Ms LaBranche mentioned inside every trade staff might be uncovered to mud particles of a wide range of mineralogies and sizes.

Some mines have already contacted UQ to undertake this testing to raised perceive the mud dangers on their websites.

UQ is now providing it as a service to industries that might profit from one of these info.”

Nikky LaBranche, Chief of the Mud and Respiratory Well being Program on the Sustainable Minerals Institute

Co-author Professor David Cliff from SMI mentioned the brand new methodology would additionally contribute to analysis into the connection between the traits of particulates and the event of respirable mud illnesses.

“By understanding the mineralogy and form of respirable mud particles, it will likely be potential to simulate their impression on the lungs so we are able to extra precisely determine the chance elements for staff and tailor efficient controls,” he mentioned.

The analysis is printed in Minerals.