Risks of Airborne Particulate Exposure in a Copper Mine in Chile

The particulate matter collected with respiratory protection equipment used by workers in the crushing plant of a copper mine in Chile is described. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the respiratory protection system and analyze the toxicological potential of the airborne particulate matter. Field measurements were conducted at Lo Aguirre copper mine, and the particulate matter was collected using a Racal Air Stream Clean Air AH4 personal protection system, followed by extraction using an ultrasonic method and analysis through PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission) technique. The findings revealed that the respiratory protection equipment significantly reduced the exposure to toxic elements in the dust, which, if inhaled without protection, could lead to serious health issues such as pneumoconiosis. The study highlights the importance of effective respiratory protection in high-risk occupational environments and provides critical data on the elemental concentrations of airborne dust associated with mining activities. Recommendations for improving air quality and worker safety measures were discussed based on the results.