Perceptions and awareness on dust and radon exposures and it's effect among tanzanite mine workers in northern Tanzania.

BackgroundOccupational diseases are somehow attributed to unsafe behaviors by the workers. Low awareness on the effects of exposure to mining dust and negative perceptions on preventive behaviors among workers are among factors linked to unsafe work condition.ObjectiveThe study objective was to explore awareness and perceptions of miners on exposure to occupational dust in relation to lung health.MethodsThe study used phenomenological design involving 44 study participants selected purposefully from the 22 randomly selected mining pits. Participants were interviewed using an in-depth interview (IDI) guide. Transcripts were cleaned in Microsoft Office Word document (Microsoft® Word for Mac) and analysed using Dedoose Ver. 9.2.005. Information was coded then analysed and categorized into specific themes.ResultsMore than 88% of participants perceived the working condition to be unsafe mostly due to dust. Quote, 'coughers are many, …but most don't seek health services as they claim to be okay'. About 50% of the participants were aware of dust harmful effects, among them 40% were aware of silica and silicosis, and that the disease is untreatable. None of the participants was aware of radon gas.ConclusionsHealth education programs to improve awareness of the negative health effects of exposure to dust and radon gas, dust suppression mechanisms and personal protection should be strengthened.