AUTHOR=Wang Xin , Kang Ning , Dong Yiwen , Liu Kai , Ning Kang , Bian Hongying , Han Feng , Chen Yongqing , Ye Meng 

TITLE=Noise exposure assessment of non-coal mining workers in four provinces of China

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1055618

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.1055618

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objective</title><p>This study aimed to understand the noise exposure of non-coal mines in China to take appropriate controls to protect workers' health.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>An assessment of non-coal miners' noise exposures was conducted in four provinces in China. Individual noise exposure levels were measured, and the survey on the hearing protector device (HPD) equipment was administered.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>423 noise dosimeter measurements were obtained, including drilling, blasting, ore drawing, transportation, winching, crushing, screening and ball milling, and auxiliary (air pressure, pump, and maintenance). A total of 31.9% of the individual noise levels (L<sub>EX,8h</sub>) exceeded 85 dB(A), and the median dosages of non-coal miners with high noise exposure were: excavation workers-89.1 dB(A), mill operators-88.7 dB(A), and crusher operators-87.0 dB(A). The noise dose of underground mine workers is higher than that of surface mine workers (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.001). A total of 53.7% of non-coal mining enterprises are not equipped with HPD for workers, mainly small and micro enterprises.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>High levels of hazardous noise exposure are typical in non-coal mines. Noise exposure data can help to develop more feasible noise controls.</p></sec>