Abstract: Objective An integrated monitoring technology and supporting equipment for personal exposure to respirable dust and high levels of radon were investigated, given the severe occupational hazards present in mine operations in China. Methods By analyzing and summarizing the technical requirements for personal exposure monitoring of respirable dust and high radon, suitable research approaches and key development points were identified. Results The BMRC curve-based separation sampling for respirable dust was achieved through a dual-layer filter technique. Radiation dose from radon and thoron progeny was quantified using CR39 solid-state nuclear track detectors, while a suction device combined with glass fiber filters was used for dust sampling. Conclusions The development of this equipment may enable simultaneous sampling and analysis of two major occupational hazards that contribute to an elevated risk of lung cancer and other associated cancers, and has laid important technical groundwork for examining the synergistic effects of occupational hazards to lung cancer.

Key words: respirable dust, radon progeny and thoron progeny, personal sampling