Particulate matter exposure among artisans at Suame-magazine in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana
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Date
NOVEMBER 2019
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Abstract
Air pollution is one of the major causes of mortality and disease globally. This study was
conducted on particulate matter exposure among artisans at Suame-Magazine. Sampling was
carried out at three different spots within Zone 21 of Suame-Magazine for a period of 8 hours per
sampling section. The same process was done at a residential area which was the control. PM10
particles were collected using the HAZ-DUST EPAM 7500 air sampling device. Questionnaires
were administered to assess the health effects on artisans as a result of exposure to PM10. A
Human Health Risk Analysis was calculated to predict the health risk posed on an artisan as a
result of PM10 inhalation. A number of hazards artisans are faced with were identified. PM10
concentrations from the exposed group and the control group was 211µg/m3 and 103 µg/m3
respectively. The level of PM10 pollution was very high in the exposed group compared to the
control group. PM10 pollution level was very high in both groups with mean concentrations
exceeding WHO and Ghana EPA guideline values, 50 µg/m3 and 70 µg/m3respectively. Results
from a Chi-square analysis revealed that there was an association between exposure to PM10
particle pollution and some health outcomes like hypertension, breathing difficulties, headaches
and asthma. Results from the Human Risk Analysis revealed that the risk of exposure to
particulate matter inhalation to an artisan was moderate. Hazards identified were slips, trips and
falls, cuts, burns, punctures, noise and eye irritations. Air pollution has been proven to be a threat
to the health of humanity and the environment as a whole. Proper safety precautions should be
taken by workers at all times and more research should be carried out in this particular area due
to the due to the fact that it is major health threat to humans, animals and the environment as a
whole.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety.
Keywords
Exposure, Artisans, Suame-Magazine, Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana