Characterization Of Industrial Dusts To Establish Occupational Health Hazards On Exposure In Two Industries In Nigeria
Characterization of selected industrial dusts in terms of physico-chemical and microbial pollutants to establish occupational health hazards on exposure was carried out. The level of conformity to Occupational Health Hazards Management has been determined for Niger Flour Mill, Calabar (41.2%) and Champion Breweries PLC, Uyo (25.5%).
METHODS:
The total concentrations of inhalable dust were measured using PM10 particulate monitor as preliminary hazardous index.. The exposure sampling was conducted for duration of 8 hours shift and concentrations of respirable dust were determined using SKC Sidekick pump aspirated at rate of 2.2 l/min.
RESULTS:
The total concentrations of inhalable dust measured at the two industries were 2.030mg/m3 for Niger Flour Mill, Calabar and 1.530mg/m3 for Champion Breweries, Uyo. The concentrations of respirable dust determined for Champion Breweries PLC, Uyo (0.7mg/m3) and Niger Flour Mill, Calabar (1.1mg/m3). The total concentration of detected heavy metals was 7.37mg/m3 for the first and 4.70mg/m3 for the second against FEPA (1991) limit of 10.0mg/m3. The cumulative exposure to heavy metals could result in renal vascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, pneumoconiosis, skin and lung cancers, immune suppression and other respiratory illness. The common bacteria isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, 2(14.2) and Esherichia coli, 2(14.2) known for blood poisoning and immune suppression while fungi isolate, Aspergillus spp, indicates possibility of mycotoxin infection, mycotoxicosis and respiratory diseases on prolonged exposure.
CONCLUSIONS:
The contaminants detected were below Occupational Exposure Limit for full blown hazards. The consequences of accumulative effects in 10-60 years cannot be ruled out for respiratory, dermal and optical (especially ptyregium) complications to occur. The research results have shown that no industrial operation can exist at zero hazards unless employees are off the site and operations shut - down.