title: Potential implications of mine dusts on human health: A case study of Mukula Mine, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
abstract: Objective : The purpose of this study was to estimate the levels of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in ambient air within Mukula mine and the potential risks to mineworkers and inhabitants of the adjoining Mukula community's health. Methods : An SPM was used to measure the levels of particulate matter (PM10) in and around the mining site. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine significance level of PM10 in ambient air. Results : Suspended particulate matter in the air ranged from 60.25 to 1820.45 µg/m(3). The lowest value of SPM was more than four times the required World Health Organisation's allowable level in ambient air, which the mine workers and locals would be inhaling. Conclusion : Continuous inhalation of mine dusts by mine workers and locals could result in pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis and lung cancer. The findings from this study support the need to have in place the necessary control measures that will drastically reduce SPM in the air. Such measure includes wet drilling and blasting, sprinkling of water on the mine roads and planting of vegetation around the mines and neighbouring communities.
authors.affiliation: Abuh Momoh, Department of Geology and Mining, University of Jos, Nigeria. Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, University of Venda, South Africa.
authors.forename: Abuh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Momoh
authors.affiliation: Sphiwe E. Mhlongo, Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, University of Venda, South Africa.
authors.forename: Sphiwe
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: E Mhlongo
authors.affiliation: Olukoga Abiodun, Department of Public Health, University of Venda, South Africa.
authors.forename: Olukoga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Abiodun
authors.affiliation: Confidence Muzerengi, Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, University of Venda, South Africa.
authors.forename: Confidence
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Muzerengi
authors.affiliation: Matamela Mudanalwo, Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, University of Venda, South Africa.
authors.forename: Matamela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mudanalwo
keywords: Aggregates; Ambient air; Health; Mine dusts; Suspended particulate matter