Composition of Fumes and Its Influence on the General Toxicity and Applicability of Mining Explosives

Abstract

The admissible concentrations of toxic fumes, which appear after blasting works in open pits and underground mine excavations, are presented in this paper. Fumes were examined according to the national standard, which was designed according to European regulations. Fumes that are taken under consideration according to the European standard are carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrate oxides (NOx). The afterburning effect was not included. Analysis showed inconclusive results of possible explosive applicability in countries that are applying the general toxicity index (toxicity coefficient may vary between countries from 5 to 10) instead of the recommended European regulation. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the most environmentally friendly explosives are emulsion explosives. Moreover, the ammonium nitrate prill diameter has not significantly affected the fumes’ concentration; however, it significantly influences the velocity of detonation.