ABSTRACT

This study examines the relationship between mining practices in Central Appalachia and opioid use. Central Appalachia, known for coal mining, has one of the highest rates of opioid use in the U.S. Of particular interest is Mountaintop Removal Mining (MTR). MTR is a form of surface mining that requires clearcutting the mountain’s forest before detonating explosives to reveal a coal vein. The vein reveals coal that would not have been accessible using traditional underground mining methods. MTR has been shown to be connected to many adverse health effects, including increased rates of cancer, serious illness, and substance abuse related hospitalizations. The researchers of this study hypothesize that the adverse health effects of MTR may influence opioid abuse. The results of this study revealed a relationship between mining practices in Central Appalachian counties and opioid-related hospital discharge rates and prescription rates.

摘要

本研究探讨了阿巴拉契亚中部采矿实践与阿片类药物使用之间的关系。以煤矿开采而闻名的阿巴拉契亚中部是美国阿片类药物使用率最高的地区之一。特别令人感兴趣的是山顶移除采矿 (MTR)。地铁是一种露天采矿形式，需要在引爆炸药以露出煤脉之前清除山上的森林。矿脉揭示了使用传统地下采矿方法无法获得的煤炭。MTR 已被证明与许多不利的健康影响有关，包括癌症、严重疾病和与药物滥用相关的住院率增加。本研究的研究人员假设地铁对健康的不利影响可能会影响阿片类药物的滥用。