[Silica exposure among miners at high altitude. Inhaled dose and evaluation methods in hypobaric environments].

Objective: To evaluate silica exposure among Chilean miners at high altitude, using different methodological approaches, for the purpose of determining the safest method to control exposures.  Methods: The 46 miners in the sample worked at 3000 meters above sea level in nonstandard work shifts, consisting of four consecutive 12-hour days, followed by four consecutive days off. Silica samples were obtained in each of the jobs positions of these 46 high-altitude miners.

High altitude underground mining. Acclimatization and possible toxicological risks.

Background. Aim of our study was to measure the first responses to hypobaric hypoxia: changes in ventilation minute, heart rate, and hemoglobin saturation which are important parameters involved in the health of mine-workers at high-altitude. Material and Methods.

[Methodology to evaluate occupational exposure to chemical contaminants at high altitude].

This study reviews the current method for assessing exposure to chemical contaminants at high altitude, which is based on the use of Threshold Limit Values (TLV). These TLVs were originally established for work performed at sea level, for 8-hour shifts over a 40-hour work week. Our study analyzes the problem for a specific group of Chilean miners working at altitudes above 3000, and for shifts of up to 12 hours a day.

Respiratory parameters at varied altitudes in intermittent mining work.

Objectives: Workers in the mining industry in altitude are subjected to several risk factors, e.g., airborne silica and low barometric pressure.