Hazardous substances in mining
Every sector has its own hazardous substances. That is why BMair offers special systems and filters for various sectors.
Quartz
Quartz can be found in sand and in the most natural rocks and thus in many building materials. Quartz is a very fine substance that is not or hardly visible. It consists of very small insoluble dust particles that end up deep in the lungs. There it can create connective tissue, which is called pulmonary fibrosis or brown lung disease. Quartz is carcinogenic; exposure to quartz can cause lung cancer.
DME
The exhaust fumes of diesel engines are called diesel motor emission (DME) The term diesel smoke is also often used. DME contains fumes and particulate matter (soot). The ultra-fine particulate matter contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are carcinogenic.
Oxygen
Poor ventilation underground can cause direct shortage of oxygen. Insufficient oxygen means that there is less than 18% volume of oxygen; usually, air contains 21% volume of oxygen. Without any prior symptoms, people become dizzy and lose consciousness when the concentration of oxygen is less than 10%. A rapid result of oxygen shortage is brain damage followed by death within several minutes, unless a person is resuscitated.
In addition, substances such as quartz (respirable silica) are always dangerous. Quartz particles are super fine, nearly invisible and can penetrate deep into the lungs. The long-term consequences of this are often serious and even life threatening.
BMair’s recommendation
Protracted contact moments are a major health risk. A risk machine operators should not be exposed to. And they don’t need to be with one of BMair’s protective ventilation systems listed below.
