EPIDEMIOLOGY AND HEALTH DATA INSIGHTS
Review Article
May 27, 2025 75 59

Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry: A Focus on Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure and Health Outcomes

Mohammad Abdullah Al Zubair Naim 1 * ,
Raju Ahmed 2
1 Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States2 College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States* Corresponding Author
Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 1(1), 2025, ehdi005, https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16411
Publication date: May 27, 2025
Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

Notwithstanding notable advancements in occupational health and safety over the past century, occupational injuries and illnesses occur frequently worldwide. Mining is among the highest-risk occupational environments, exposing workers to acute and chronic health problems. This narrative review explores research evidence of different mining-related hazards, with a special focus on asbestos exposure. Mineworkers more commonly face biological, chemical, physical, ergonomics, and psychological hazards than other industries. Exposure to respiratory particles like silica and coal dust contributes to respiratory diseases like pneumoconiosis, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. Due to the physically demanding nature of the work and poor ergonomics, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occurring in soft tissues and surrounding body structures is high in mineworkers. Despite technological advancement and safety precautions, the mining industry remains a high-risk workplace with disproportionately higher rates of occupational injuries. Routine exposure to carcinogens results in a high risk of stomach and lung cancers. Chrysotile is the most used asbestos in the mining industry, causing asbestosis and mesothelioma. While some countries have introduced regulations to limit or phase out the use of asbestos, asbestos is still used in many countries. Studies are warranted to investigate the immediate and long-term health effects and potential risk factors. Essential preventive measures, consistent enforcement of safety standards, and accessible healthcare are essential to ensure overall well-being.

KEYWORDS

Occupational health mineworkers asbestos exposure chrysotile respiratory diseases occupational cancer workplace safety mining injuries

CITATION (Vancouver)

Naim MAAZ, Ahmed R. Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry: A Focus on Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure and Health Outcomes. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights. 2025;1(1):ehdi005. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16411
APA
Naim, M. A. A. Z., & Ahmed, R. (2025). Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry: A Focus on Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure and Health Outcomes. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 1(1), ehdi005. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16411
Harvard
Naim, M. A. A. Z., and Ahmed, R. (2025). Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry: A Focus on Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure and Health Outcomes. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 1(1), ehdi005. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16411
AMA
Naim MAAZ, Ahmed R. Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry: A Focus on Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure and Health Outcomes. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights. 2025;1(1), ehdi005. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16411
Chicago
Naim, Mohammad Abdullah Al Zubair, and Raju Ahmed. "Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry: A Focus on Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure and Health Outcomes". Epidemiology and Health Data Insights 2025 1 no. 1 (2025): ehdi005. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16411
MLA
Naim, Mohammad Abdullah Al Zubair et al. "Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry: A Focus on Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure and Health Outcomes". Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, vol. 1, no. 1, 2025, ehdi005. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16411

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