Air Quality in the Working Environment and Respiratory Health of Female Congolese Stone Quarry Workers

Workplace concentrations of particulate matter and noise levels among stone quarry and soil brick-making workers in Tanzania

This study was conducted in 15 artisanal stone quarries (SQ) and 22 soil brick-making (SBM) sites. Specific objectives were to: (i) quantify ambient concentrations of suspended particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants and noise levels at SQ and SBM workplaces; (ii) critically evaluate the potential workplace hazards, and risk factors; and (iii) analyze potential health risks to workers. Gaseous pollutants, PM, and noise levels were measured by using portable digital devices. Social demographic information of 150 workers across the study sites was collected using a questionnaire. Quantitative data were summarized and exploratorily analyzed using Stata software. This study revealed that fuel burning in the SBM releases SPM up to 10-fold and CO gas up to 14-fold above the WHO-recommended time-weighted average exposure concentrations of 16.6 µg/m3 and 0.3 mg/m3, respectively. On average hitting with a pickax in SQ areas released noise levels of about 81.01 ± 6.8 dB[A]. Overall, the SQ and SBM workers were exposed to low concentrations of PM and noise levels when the measurements were taken. Long working hours for repetitive activities in hot-sunny (27.1 ± 2.3 °C) and low outdoor humidity 23 ± 1.5%, potentially increase epidemiological risks to vulnerable individuals and enhance worker exposures to inhalable PMs. Although workplace noise exposure below the regulatory threshold of 85 dB[A] may not cause immediate hearing damage, it can have a significant impact on workers' hearing health, cognitive performance, psychological well-being, and overall productivity. This study provides an overview of workplace conditions rather than an accurate representation of the actual worker exposure levels because personal breathing zone sampling devices were not used. This study provides baseline information for further research and can be used for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation to safeguard worker safety and health in SQ and SBM sites in Tanzania.

Presumed Exposure to Chemical Pollutants and Experienced Health Impacts among Warehouse Workers at Logistics Companies: A Cross-Sectional Survey

During intercontinental shipping, freight containers and other closed transport devices are applied. These closed spaces can be polluted with various harmful chemicals that may accumulate in poorly ventilated environments. The major pollutants are residues of pesticides used for fumigation as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from the goods. While handling cargos at logistics companies, workers can be exposed to these pollutants, frequently without adequate occupational health and safety precautions. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among potentially exposed warehouse workers and office workers as controls at Hungarian logistics companies (1) to investigate the health effects of chemical pollutants occurring in closed spaces of transportation and storage and (2) to collect information about the knowledge of and attitude toward workplace chemical exposures as well as the occupational health and safety precautions applied. Pre-existing medical conditions did not show any significant difference between the working groups. Numbness or heaviness in the arms and legs (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI = 1.72–9.26) and dry cough (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.09–4.93) were significantly associated with working in closed environments of transportation and storage, while forgetfulness (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.18–0.87), sleep disturbances (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.17–0.78), and tiredness after waking up (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.20–0.79) were significantly associated with employment in office. Warehouse workers who completed specific workplace health and safety training had more detailed knowledge related to this workplace chemical issue (AOR = 8.18; 95% CI = 3.47–19.27), and they were significantly more likely to use certain preventive measures. Warehouse workers involved in handling cargos at logistics companies may be exposed to different chemical pollutants, and the related health risks remain unknown if the presence of these chemicals is not recognized. Applied occupational health and safety measures at logistics companies are not adequate enough to manage this chemical safety issue, which warrants awareness raising and the introduction of effective preventive strategies to protect workers’ health at logistics companies.