Medical Geology in Mining Health Hazards Due to Metal Toxicity

This book discusses a wide range of health-related mining issues, with particular reference to occupational diseases, metal toxicity, postural injuries in miners, modern fire safety controls, noise-induced hearing loss prevention, and noise mapping. Mining plays a central role in the development of modern civilization. By providing the essential raw materials, mining ensures progress, safety, and comfort of people. However, this necessary activity comes with several woes, the most important of which are occupational health hazards. Mines act as sources of constant danger and risk to the miners irrespective of the scale of mining, such as large-scale industrial mining or small-scale artisanal mining. Not only are there accidents, but continuous exposure to dust, metal toxicity, hazardous gases and fumes, and loud noises, giving rise to a variety of diseases to mine workers. The comprehensive coverage of issues and the case studies will make this book an essential reference and critical reading. Medical geology is a necessary discipline in earth sciences. Unfortunately, not much literature is available on this subject. Therefore, this book is essential for practicing engineers and supervisors in mines, health and safety professionals, researchers, and mining industry students.

Dr. Kirtikumar R. Randive is presently working as Professor at Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, India. Initially, he served the Geological Survey of India as Geologist. He published extensively in national and international journals, including two monographs, one each on Geochemistry (RPS, Singapore) and Mineral Economics (Nova, New York). He has edited two special issues of reputed international journals and presently working as Editor of the De Gruyters Journal Open Geoscience. He was Member of 31st Indian Expedition to Antarctica and Visiting Fellow to the University of Portsmouth, UK (2018). 

Dr. Shubhangi Pingle is presently working as Assistant Director and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Miners’ Health, Nagpur, Ministry of Mines, GOI, India. She has published 110 research papers in national and international journals. She has 15 years of research experience in proteomics, diagnostic biomarkers, development of ELISA, andanimal cell culture biology. She received funding for her research from DST, DST, ICMR, CSIR, MOEF, DRDO, MOM, CMPDI. She has one Indian patent granted and 10 submitted. She is a recognized guide in Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Biotechnology at Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, DEEMED University, Nagpur.