An environmental health risk assessment of workers’ ambient exposure to particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less at a concrete batching plant

Katania Rosela Putri, Umar Fahmi Achmadi, Ririn Arminsih, Doni Hikmat Ramdhan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. Workers in the concrete industry can be negatively affected by exposure to particulate matter. Particulate matter that is 2.5 microns in width or less (PM 2.5 ) is one of the most dangerous air pollutants because it can be inhaled into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Objective. This research analyzed workers’ health risks due to inhalation exposure to PM 2.5 in at a concrete batching plant. Materials & Method. The risk was calculated using an environmental health risk assessment method to determine the value of the risk quotient (RQ). The RQ was obtained by dividing the body exposure intake by the reference concentration. If the value of RQ>1, then risk management is necessary. This study calculated the risk of PM 2.5 exposure for 59 workers. Samples were collected at 4 points in the plant for 1 hour using a high-volume air sampler; each point was sampled 2 times, once during the day and once at night. Results. The average concentration of PM 2.5 was 120 mg/m 3 that means the concentration was above the quality standard. The calculation shows that PM 2.5 is risky to workers in life time duration (25 years) with the average yield at least for the next 9 years because reach RQ=1,096. Thus, risk management is required for the next 25 years by reducing PM 2.5 concentration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)479-484
Number of pages6
JournalIndian Journal of Public Health Research and Development
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2019

Keywords

  • Concrete batching plant
  • Environmental health risk assessment
  • PM

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