How are the health impacts of surface mining different from those of underground mining?(1 point)
Responses
higher risk of lung disease in surface mining
higher risk of lung disease in surface mining
lower risk of miner injuries in surface mining
lower risk of miner injuries in surface mining
lower risk of hearing loss in surface mining
lower risk of hearing loss in surface mining
higher risk of mine collapse in surface mining
The health impacts of surface mining are different from those of underground mining in terms of the risk of lung disease, miner injuries, hearing loss, and mine collapse.
The health impacts of surface mining differ from those of underground mining in several ways:
1. Higher risk of lung disease in surface mining: Surface mining involves the removal of topsoil and vegetation, exposing miners to dust and particles in the air, which can lead to a higher risk of lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis or black lung disease.
2. Lower risk of miner injuries in surface mining: Surface mining typically involves the use of heavy machinery and explosives, which reduces the risk of direct physical injuries to miners compared to underground mining, where workers may encounter hazards such as cave-ins, rock falls, or equipment accidents.
3. Lower risk of hearing loss in surface mining: Underground mining often requires the use of loud machinery, exposure to excessive noise levels, and vibrations, which can lead to hearing loss over time. In surface mining, the risk of hearing loss is typically lower as noise levels are generally reduced.
4. Higher risk of mine collapse in surface mining: Due to the removal of topsoil and the alteration of natural landscapes, surface mining can sometimes result in unstable terrain and increased risks of mine collapses, which poses potential dangers to miners working in or near the area.
It's important to note that each mining method has its own specific health risks and precautions, and proper safety measures must be implemented to minimize these risks in both surface and underground mining operations.
The health impacts of surface mining and underground mining can vary due to the different conditions and hazards involved in each method.
In surface mining, such as open-pit mining or strip mining, the top layers of soil and rock are removed to access mineral deposits. This can lead to a higher risk of lung disease because dust and particles are released into the air during the excavation process. These particles can be inhaled by workers, potentially causing respiratory issues and lung diseases such as silicosis.
On the other hand, underground mining involves tunneling into the earth to extract minerals, which can present a different set of health risks. While underground mining may have a lower risk of lung diseases compared to surface mining because workers are exposed to less dust and particles, there is still a risk of exposure to harmful gases, such as radon or methane, which can accumulate in underground mines and negatively impact respiratory health.
Additionally, underground mining can have a higher risk of miner injuries due to the confined spaces and potential for cave-ins or collapses. Workers in underground mines may face hazards such as falling rocks, machinery accidents, or getting trapped in narrow passages. Surface mining, on the other hand, generally offers more open and accessible working conditions, reducing the risk of such injures.
In terms of hearing loss, surface mining is generally associated with a lower risk compared to underground mining. Underground mining can involve the use of heavy machinery, drills, and explosions, which generate loud noises that can damage hearing over time. Surface mining, while still having some noise exposure, is typically less intense and therefore poses a lower risk of long-term hearing loss.
In conclusion, while it is difficult to generalize the health impacts of surface mining and underground mining, some key differences can be identified. Surface mining has a higher risk of lung disease due to the release of dust and particles, while underground mining has a higher risk of miner injuries and exposure to harmful gases. On the other hand, underground mining has a higher risk of hearing loss, while surface mining generally poses a lower risk in this aspect.