Mine workers are continuously exposed to respirable mine dust (RMD) in their workplaces, causing severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. RMD characteristics and their relations with dust toxicity need further research to understand the adverse exposure effects. This work investigates the geochemical characteristics and toxicity of respirable uranium and coal mine dust from selected Rocky Mountains and Appalachian mines. We combine various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to characterize dust, including FTIR, SEM, N2-BET, XRD, and XPS. Following the batch reactor studies with simulated body lung fluids and gastrointestinal fluids, we use inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the amount of leached-out metals and nonmetals. The results from uranium mines indicate its dissolution produces uranyl cation, UO22+, and depends on mineralogy and mode of transport. Dissolving finer coal particles in body fluids yields significant amounts of Si, Al, Fe, Cu, Sr, and Pb, mostly from dust samples from the Appalachian regions, and correlates with their geochemical properties. In vitro studies indicated a proinflammatory response in epithelial and macrophage cells, suggesting their possible participation in pneumoconiosis and lung disease development.

Fate of inhaled mine dust in body fluids: Role of geochemistry

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.