GUEDES, M. T. J. C.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3257100561129053; GUEDES, Maria Teresa de Jesus Camelo.
Résumé:
Mineral extraction is one of the activities that most pose hazards to workers who are constantly
exposed to risks, such as radiation. Among the radiation sources that miners are subject to,
radon 222 stands out, a gas that has high concentrations in mining environments and when
inhaled or ingested it increases the risk of developing neoplasms, such as lung and stomach
cancer. Thus, it is necessary to adopt measures and care to reduce occupational diseases in
miners. In the region of Seridó Paraibano there are several mines in operation due to geological
characteristics prone to mineral extraction. The objective of the study is to evaluate the
influence of environmental and work conditions on the health of miners in Seridó Oriental
Paraibano. For this, questionnaires were applied with miners and mining companies in that
region and a survey of deaths due to diseases related to radon 222 in DATASUS for the cities
under study, Paraíba and Brazil. From the answers obtained in the miners’ questionnaire,
statistical analysis was carried out using Pearson's correlation coefficient in order to relate the
rate of illness due to gastric and respiratory diseases with the use of IPE (Individual Protective
Equipment) and the journey miners' work. Through the analysis of the rates of illness due to
neoplasms, it was noticed that the numbers of deaths from lung and stomach cancer in the
municipalities under study are about twice as high as the same rates presented for Paraíba and
Brazil. When evaluating the questionnaires, it was noticed that there is a great resistance from
the miners in relation to the use of IPE, which are used by only 40% of the gold prospectors
despite the interviewed companies providing such equipment following the recommended by
NR - 22. Using Pearson's correlation method, it was found that the smaller the amount of IPE
used and the greater the daily workday, the greater the chances of developing respiratory and
stomach diseases, compromising the health of the gold prospectors. Illness due to neoplasms in
the interviewed miners is 27.4%, of which 41% have lung cancer. In addition, 55% have
diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, stomach polyps and silicosis. Through the data obtained in the
questionnaires and in the historical series of deaths, it can be seen that the miners of Seridó
Paraibano are subject to the development of several occupational diseases that compromise
their health, which is a matter of public health concern. Thus, it is necessary for mining
companies in the region to carry out preventive actions and reinforce the need to use IPE to
guarantee the preservation of the health of their workers, as required by the current Regulations.