Particulate Matter Emitted from Gravel Crushers and Their Health Impacts on Workers, Middle Governorate - Gaza, Palestine

Abstract

Background: Particulate matter (PM) refers to discrete particles in ambient air that exist as either solid or liquid droplets. A crusher is a machine designed to crush and grind rocks or rubble resulting from construction waste, and convert it to materials can be re-used in the building and construction. Aim: To evaluate the level of PM10 air pollution in crushers plants, and their impacts on respiratory system health, vital signs and complete blood count for crushers workers. Material and Methods: Case-control study was conducted during the period from April to August 2013 on all gravel crushers at Middle Gaza Governorates. 87 individuals participated, case (exposed) and control (non exposed) groups contain 40, 47 respectively. Pm10 concentration level was measured in the six crushers, and all participants were subjected to questionnaire, vital signs measuring, and complete blood counts Results: Results showed that an average of particulate matter contributions is 15153 μg/m3, which is about 100 times higher than PM10 existing standard of 150 μg/m3. As well as, it showed clear links between PM10 exposure and respiratory health, vital signs, and white blood cells among exposed group. Cough, dyspnea and sputum buildup were more common among the exposed group 100%, 97.5%, and 82,5% respectively, the non exposed group 14.9%, 31,9%, and 28.6%, respectively. Increasing in white blood cells count and Vital signs disturbances (Increasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increasing pulse rate, increasing respiratory rate and temperature) reported significantly among the exposed workers. Conclusions: PM10 concentration level in crushers plants were much higher than the existing standard. Occupational exposure to PM10 leads to higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, vital signs disturbance, and increasing WBCs. Recommendations: Environmental and engineering control of PM10 emissions, protective techniques, procedures, measures and equipment and periodic medical examinations.