Atmospheric particulates and human health: Potential occupational health implications of working in an archaeologically and economically important cave in southeast Asia

The Niah Great Cave contains important archaeological artefacts immersed in massive guano deposits. The exposure of such artefacts, together with general movement through the cave, results in an enhanced atmospheric particulate pollution. Values, as a consequence of disturbance, are as high as 1300?µg/m³; alarming PM₁₀ values of 1051?µg/m³ are reported and potential human health effects in terms of particulate lung penetration, enhanced asthma susceptibility, heart disease and mortality are reviewed and discussed.