Mining for raw materials is known for having many physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial occupational health hazards [DONO04]. In addition, the processing of grits can be harmful to workers. For example, the emissions from melting corundum from bauxite in electric arc furnaces can lead to a lung disease known as corundum smelters lung, bauxite worker’s lung, or bauxite fibrosis (German “Korundschmelzerlunge”) [KONE94, p. 473].
The abrasive grits and powders themselves can create nuisance dust, which can cause respiratory tract irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Human skin and eyes can be harmed by mechanical, abrasive action of the grits (Table 2.8 right). In particular, mining and processing of silica, or sandblasting operations with silica are tied to respiratory diseases [MADL08, DONO04]. The protection of workers in these applications is crucial.