Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Exposure to Respirable Crystalline silica is considered a significant occupational hazard that can greatly impact the health of workers in mining industries. Consequently, the objective of this study is to evaluate the potential risks associated with exposure to crystalline silica for workers employed in mine. METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, evaluate the occupational exposure of 65 mine workers across five distinct occupational groups by NIOSH 7500 method. To assess the probability of mortality resulting from silicosis and lung cancer, utilized the Mannetje and Rice model. Moreover, the study also focused on evaluating the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with occupational exposure to silica by using the method recommended by the US EPA. RESULTS: The results of the study indicate that the crusher section, which had a concentration of 0.53 mg/m3, showed the highest level of silica exposure, while the security section, with a concentration of 0.09 mg/m3, exhibited the lowest concentration of Respirable Crystalline silica exposure. The results showed that 85% of the samples exceeded the established occupational exposure limit. The risk of death from lung cancer, as indicated by Rice et al.'s linear model, was estimated to be between 15-139 deaths per 1000 worker exposed to Respirable Crystalline silica. However, according to the Mannetje model, worker with a cumulative exposure range of 4.33-2.84 have a 26.3% risk of developing lung cancer. This cause to approximately 6.3 deaths/1000 P. The carcinogenic risk of 92.1% and the non-carcinogenic risk of 65.5% of the workers were at an unacceptable level. CONCLUSION: Considering the elevated levels of average exposure within work groups, as well as the increased risk of mortality associated with silicosis and lung cancer, it is imperative to implement comprehensive management and engineering control for the mine workers.