Problems in monitoring dust levels within mines

The collection of dust samples in mines is a multifaceted problem. Initially, one must define the situation being sampled and the purpose of the sampling in order to establish an appropriate sampling plan, including specification of the type of mining process (surface vs. underground, metal vs. nonmetal vs. coal) as well as the mining system employed (equipment). The next step is to decide the nature of the hazard being monitored (i.e., dust depositing in alveolar air spaces entails use of respirable dust sampling, upper airways entails thoracic-fraction sampler, and systemic effects call for an inhalable-fraction sampler) in order to select the appropriate sampler. Deciding on a particular sampling strategy is a complex issue involving federal regulations as well as compliance.