Every diesel engine emits approximately 100 million nano diesel particles (nDP) per cubic centimetre of raw exhaust. Each nDP has a diameter of between 50 and 70 nano metres or 1/100th the size of red blood cells (diameter of between 6 and 8 microns). When inhaled, some nDP pass through the lungs and penetrate all body tissue [1].
Europe and North America have recognised and are addressing the long term health problems posed by nano diesel particulate matter (nDPM) across their societies [2.3].
Australia has been slow to recognise the issue, at both a societal and mining industry level.
There are chronic health effects for every underground miner and serious legal issues for mining companies with increasingly stringent Occupational Health and Safety legislation being implemented at a state level across Australia.
This paper will review progress within Australian society and more particularly the underground hard rock mining industry, particularly in Western Australia (WA).