What Do the 2021 Autopsy Findings Reveal About Occupational Diseases in Miners?
Occupational lung diseases, including emphysema and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), are common among South African miners due to long-term exposure to harmful dust and particles like coal and silica dust. Emphysema causes damage to the lungs, making it hard to breathe, while PTB is an infection that affects the lungs and can spread easily in environments with poor air quality.
For nearly 50 years, the Pathology Division of the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) has examined the lungs and hearts of deceased miners to track occupational diseases linked to mining. This work, mandated by the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (Act 78 of 1973), provides critical insights into the health risks faced by miners in South Africa.
By analyzing patterns of diseases like silicosis, tuberculosis, and emphysema, this long-running surveillance programme informs compensation decisions, workplace safety regulations, and healthcare interventions for miners and ex-miners.
The following study assesses the prevalence of occupational respiratory diseases in miners at autopsy in 2021 and highlights key trends for South Africa.
Materials and Methods
Miners who passed away near the NIOH in Johannesburg underwent a full autopsy. For those who passed away farther away, their lungs and heart were preserved in formalin and sent to the NIOH for examination. Along with the organs, consent forms from the family, the miner’s work history, and the death certificate were provided. If any information was missing, the NIOH contacted the family, employer, or the MBOD to complete the necessary details. The organs were carefully examined, with samples taken for processing, staining, and microscopic analysis to determine the cause of death.
Results
The 2021 findings revealed that emphysema was present in 38.3% of cases, while 13.7% had active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The PTB rate was 137 cases per 1,000 autopsies—higher than the 1995 rate of 93 per 1,000. Silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, was found in 19.2% of cases, with rates in black and white miners remaining above 200 per 1,000, compared to 182 per 1,000 in 1995.
Despite these ongoing health risks, the number of autopsies conducted at the NIOH has dropped significantly over the years. In 1995, there were 4,003 autopsies, compared to just 546 in 2021. This decline suggests that many families may not be aware of the compensation process, which affects both worker rights and research into mining-related diseases.
For a more in-depth look into this captivating study, download the full article below.
