The use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mining operations provides many benefits to the industry. It also presents many challenges to the health and safety of workers as it is a significant source of submicrometer aerosols and noxious gases. This book was developed to assist the coal and metal/nonmetal underground mining industries in their efforts to reduce the exposure of workers to aerosols and gases from diesel-powered equipment. It includes information collected by researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (NIOSH/OMSHR). Prior to the production of this text, the knowledge on this complex issue was fragmented. The goal of this volume is to make the information available in one easy-to-use reference. The book includes comprehensive, mine-specific programs for use by mechanics, mine ventilation engineers, industrial hygienists, mine managers, union health and safety representatives, and personnel responsible for the acquisition of diesel vehicles, engines, exhaust aftertreatment systems, fuels, and lubricants. The description of methods to reduce exposure to diesel aerosols includes curtailment of diesel particulate matter and gaseous emissions at their source, and controlling airborne pollutants with ventilation and personal protective equipment. This information should also help researchers in industry, government, and academia to identify areas that need to be addressed in future research and development efforts.

The exposure of mine workers to diesel particulate matter (DPM) and gases is an issue of great concern to the underground mining community. As industry works to achieve compliance with these standards, mine operators are looking for feasible methods for reducing DPM concentrations in their mines. In addition, the industry needs methods to accurately measure DPM to ensure that the control strategies they adopt are working successfully. The use of dieselpowered equipment by the underground mining community has continuously increased over the last several decades. A similar trend is seen in underground metal/nonmetal mines. This extensive utilization of diesel-powered equipment generates the potential for exposure of underground miners to particulate matter and gaseous emissions from this equipment and creates an important challenge for the mining industry worldwide to control these emissions. In recent years, studies have shown that long-term exposure to combustionrelated fine particulate pollution, including diesel particulate matter (DPM), is an important risk factor for cardiopulmonary and lung cancer mortality. Therefore, health issues associated with exposure to DPM are receiving substantial attention from the public, government agencies, and academia. The book Controlling Exposure - Diesel Emissions in Underground Mines present an overview of the integrated approach and review the strategies being used by mines to reduce the concentrations of DPM emitted from the tailpipe, as well as present results from research evaluating these strategies.