Noise exposure assessment of non-coal mining workers in four provinces of China

Xin Wang; Ning Kang; Yiwen Dong; Kai Liu; Kang Ning; Hongying Bian; Feng Han; Yongqing Chen; Meng Ye

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.1055618

Frontiers in Public Health (Jan 2023)

Noise exposure assessment of non-coal mining workers in four provinces of China

Xin Wang,
Ning Kang,
Yiwen Dong,
Kai Liu,
Kang Ning,
Hongying Bian,
Feng Han,
Yongqing Chen,
Meng Ye

Affiliations

Xin Wang: National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
Ning Kang: National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
Yiwen Dong: National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
Kai Liu: National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, Beijing, China
Kang Ning: Liaoning Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenyang, China
Hongying Bian: National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
Feng Han: National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
Yongqing Chen: National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
Meng Ye: National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1055618
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 10

Abstract

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ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand the noise exposure of non-coal mines in China to take appropriate controls to protect workers' health.MethodsAn assessment of non-coal miners' noise exposures was conducted in four provinces in China. Individual noise exposure levels were measured, and the survey on the hearing protector device (HPD) equipment was administered.Results423 noise dosimeter measurements were obtained, including drilling, blasting, ore drawing, transportation, winching, crushing, screening and ball milling, and auxiliary (air pressure, pump, and maintenance). A total of 31.9% of the individual noise levels (LEX,8h) exceeded 85 dB(A), and the median dosages of non-coal miners with high noise exposure were: excavation workers-89.1 dB(A), mill operators-88.7 dB(A), and crusher operators-87.0 dB(A). The noise dose of underground mine workers is higher than that of surface mine workers (P < 0.001). A total of 53.7% of non-coal mining enterprises are not equipped with HPD for workers, mainly small and micro enterprises.ConclusionsHigh levels of hazardous noise exposure are typical in non-coal mines. Noise exposure data can help to develop more feasible noise controls.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health

ISSN: 2296-2565 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health

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