Particulate matter exposure among artisans at Suame-magazine in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana
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Date
September, 2019
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Abstract
Air pollution is one of the major cause 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 each 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 in halation. 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. The of
PM10 pollution was very high in both groups with mean concentrations exceeding WHO and
Ghana EPA guideline values, 50 µg/m3
and 70 µg/m3
respectively. 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.
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
Artisans, Exposure, Suame-magazine