OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the component of coal responsible for coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). METHODS: A literature search of PubMED was conducted to address studies that have evaluated the risk of CWP based on the components of coal. RESULTS: The risk of CWP (CWP) depends on the concentration and duration of exposure to coal dust. Epidemiology studies have shown inverse links between CWP and quartz content. Coal from the USA and Germany has demonstrated links between iron content and CWP; these same studies indicate virtually no role for quartz. In vitro studies indicate strong mechanistic links between iron content in coal and reactive oxygen species, which play a major role in the inflammatory response associated with CWP. CONCLUSIONS: The active agent within coal appears to be iron, not quartz. By identifying components of coal before mining activities, the risk of developing CWP may be reduced.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the component of coal responsible for coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). METHODS: A literature search of PubMED was conducted to address studies that have evaluated the risk of CWP based on the components of coal. RESULTS: The risk of CWP (CWP) depends on the concentration and duration of exposure to coal dust. Epidemiology studies have shown inverse links between CWP and quartz content. Coal from the USA and Germany has demonstrated links between iron content and CWP; these same studies indicate virtually no role for quartz. In vitro studies indicate strong mechanistic links between iron content in coal and reactive oxygen species, which play a major role in the inflammatory response associated with CWP. CONCLUSIONS: The active agent within coal appears to be iron, not quartz. By identifying components of coal before mining activities, the risk of developing CWP may be reduced.
Authors: Sithembile L Mabila; Kirsten S Almberg; Lee Friedman; Robert A Cohen; Ntombizodwa Ndlovu; Naseema Vorajee; Jill Murray Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2019-11-07 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Lei Han; Ruhui Han; Xiaoming Ji; Ting Wang; Jingjin Yang; Jiali Yuan; Qiuyun Wu; Baoli Zhu; Hengdong Zhang; Bangmei Ding; Chunhui Ni Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2015-07-10 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Kai Cui; Fuhai Shen; Bing Han; Juxiang Yuan; Xia Suo; Tianbang Qin; Hongbo Liu; Jie Chen Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2015-06-30 Impact factor: 3.390