Avaliação das condições ambientais e de trabalho na saúde de mineradores do Seridó Oriental Paraibano.

Abstract

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.