The report addresses the laboratory and field testing of the PDM and includes extensive technical data and discussions; such as descriptions of the PDM, the tests done on the equipment, detailed data from test results, and the conclusions drawn from the results.

Based on the findings of the tests, NIOSH concluded the device “functioned as well as the current sampler in terms of availability for use, accuracy, precision, and miner acceptance”

Developed through collaboration between NIOSH and diverse outside partners, the PDM is the first device that allows coal miners to immediately determine if they are exposed to airborne coal mine dust at concentrations that pose a risk of pneumoconiosis, or black lung disease.

It provides an alternative to the current system for coal dust measurement that has been used since inception of the 1969 Coal Mine Health and Safety Act.

Currently, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for a mine operator and a miner to get back information about the level of coal dust to which the miner is exposed.

NIOSH director John Howard said public comments would be incorporated into the development of a final report.

Comments will be accepted until June 30, 2006 and a copy of the draft report and links for filing comments by email and online can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/dustmonitor/