noun
- a poisonous gas, chiefly carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, that remains in a coal mine after an explosion or fire
Usage: mining; technical
Examples
- The miners had to wait for the afterdamp to clear before they could safely re-enter the mine.
- Afterdamp is one of the most dangerous hazards in underground coal mining operations.
- The explosion created a thick cloud of afterdamp that forced the evacuation of the entire shaft.
- Ventilation systems are essential for removing afterdamp from mines after an incident.
- Workers wore respirators to protect themselves from the toxic afterdamp.