Features of overall and occupational morbidity rates among mine workers of marble and granite quarries of the Irkutsk Region

Abstract

Abstract In connection with the active development of the mining sector of the economy, there is an important task of labor rate setting of mine workers and reliable records of occupational morbidity rate associated with dust emissions. The review is based on the scientific literature on occupational lung diseases in the mining industry that focuses on the recording and identification of occupational diseases associated with the silica dust (SiO2) exposure. The article addresses both “traditional” and “emerging” concerns regarding occupational diseases of the respiratory system in mine workers, incorporating the data on evidence-based practices of practitioners in developed and developing countries. The data is devoted to deciphering the types of occupational diseases that are given the least attention, which results in the fact that many workers put themselves at risk due to a lack of knowledge about the consequences of inhaling stone dust while performing their duties. The SiO2 dust resulted from the quarrying of marble and granite is underestimated. Its contribution to the development of occupational diseases of mine workers is significant and requires focused attention and an integrated approach to the prevention and control of occupational lung diseases associated with mining. The study has been carried out with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research within the framework of scientific project No. 19-31-27001.