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Atmospheric particulate matter size distribution and concentration in West Virginia coal mining and non-mining areas

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology volume 24, pages 405–411 (2014)Cite this article

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Abstract

People who live in Appalachian areas where coal mining is prominent have increased health problems compared with people in non-mining areas of Appalachia. Coal mines and related mining activities result in the production of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) that is associated with human health effects. There is a gap in research regarding particle size concentration and distribution to determine respiratory dose around coal mining and non-mining areas. Mass- and number-based size distributions were determined with an Aerodynamic Particle Size and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer to calculate lung deposition around mining and non-mining areas of West Virginia. Particle number concentrations and deposited lung dose were significantly greater around mining areas compared with non-mining areas, demonstrating elevated risks to humans. The greater dose was correlated with elevated disease rates in the West Virginia mining areas. Number concentrations in the mining areas were comparable to a previously documented urban area where number concentration was associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Bean Chen (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA) Matthew Gurka (School of Public Health, West Virginia University), and Timothy Nurkiewicz (School of Medicine, West Virginia University) for their assistance and support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Laura M Kurth

  2. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Michael McCawley

  3. Department of Health Policy, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Michael Hendryx

  4. School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Stephanie Lusk

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  1. Laura M Kurth
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  2. Michael McCawley
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  4. Stephanie Lusk
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Correspondence to Laura M Kurth.

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Kurth, L., McCawley, M., Hendryx, M. et al. Atmospheric particulate matter size distribution and concentration in West Virginia coal mining and non-mining areas. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 24, 405–411 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/jes.2014.2

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