A1: Research Roundup Mining Aerosols & Airborne Particulates

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health effects and exposures associated with the use of regular diesel (D) and renewable diesel (RD) from the operation of a Skid Steer at an underground mining laboratory. Biological monitoring was conducted before and after the subjects' exposure sessions. Monitoring included: exhaled nitric oxide (NO), exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), urine specific gravity (USG), and blood draw. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposures were measured while subjects operated a Caterpillar (289D) Skid Steer with a 73 HP, C3.3B DIT engine. A significant reduction in DPM was observed from D to RD (220 to 165 mg/m3, p=0.028). There was a decrease in NO2, and CO. Pre-post levels of serum P-Selectin tended to increase with no change to serum Endothelin-1 levels. Nine protein biomarkers showed increased differential expression with D, compared to just one protein with RD. The use of renewable diesel showed variability among several health outcomes. This work underscores the importance of investigating vehicle fuel pairings in the evaluation of exposures and health effects. 

Recent epidemiology studies showed an unexpected elevation for progressive massive fibrosis diseases. Using productivity equipment to generate a great fraction of fine particles in modern mines is a possible explanation. Toxicology studies show that fine particles can induce a higher toxicity level than larger sizes due to their unique properties. In mining, there is still limited understanding regarding the exposure profiles, the relationship of micro- or nano-particles, and pulmonary toxicities.