Can You Get Radiation Poisoning From Mining?

Workers involved in the mining industry are responsible for milling and mining uranium ores. In extracting the ores, workers could be exposed to uranium and other radioactive elements, leading to a risk of radiation poisoning. For miners to work safely, protective gear such as respirators and ventilators must be worn at all times. Furthermore, regular health checks are essential to detect any health problems early on with radiation exposure.

Exposure to ionizing radiation in mining can occur during the ore processing phase and extraction. However, it is essential to note that the average exposure to radiation in most mines is far below occupational exposure limits of 50 mSv per year. Workers exposed to higher radiation levels must be monitored more closely to ensure they do not develop adverse health effects like cancer or chronic illnesses.

Moderate doses of 100-1000 mSv are a concerning level. These moderate doses could lead to acute effects and increased cancer risk. Low doses, often in a few 10s of millisieverts a year, are the common trend in uranium mining. These levels of exposure can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, but this is often with years of work in a mining site. 

Using robotics and automated processes can help reduce the risk of radiation poisoning in mining operations, as robots can perform tasks in locations where human exposure would be too high. By automating specific processes, miners can protect themselves from exposure and help ensure that the mining activities are conducted safely.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid radiation poisoning is by taking all necessary precautions when dealing with radioactive materials. This includes wearing protective gear, regularly checking for signs of health issues, and using automated processes and robots where needed. By following these safety protocols, miners can greatly reduce their exposure and radiation poisoning risk. 

This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker Mining Communications! For over 15 years, Becker Communications has been the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical mining communication systems. As they expanded into surface mining, railroads, and tunneling they added wireless communication systems, handheld radios, tagging and tracking systems, as well as gas monitoring. Click here to learn more!