Investigation of respirable particulate matter pollutants on air-breathing zone workers in the Beam Rolling Mills Factory (Iran National Steel Industrial Group), Ahvaz, Iran

Masoud Rafiei,Alakas Gadgil,Neemat Jaafarzadeh,Mohammad Aberomand,Sharadd Gore,Vikrams Ghole,Mitra Shabab

doi:10.4103/0019-5278.43264

Abstract

Workers of iron and steel factories are exposed to a wide range of pollutants depending on the particular process, the materials involved, the effectiveness of monitoring and the control measures. Adverse effects are determined by the physical state and propensities of the pollutant involved, the intensity and duration of the exposure, the extent of pollutant accumulation in the body and the sensitivity of the individual to its effects. The main aim of this study is to assess the levels of the indoor respirable particulate matter (RPM) and to compare the health condition of exposed workers, with nonexposed employees group. Line 630 has only one furnace of 40 tons and line 650 has two furnaces of 20 and 40 tons capacity due to which the mean of the RPM concentrations in the breathing zone was significantly different (P < 0.05) in line 650 but not in line 630 as compared with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene's (3 mg/m3). The average of the RPM concentrations in production line 650 is higher than that of production line 630, with the 95% confidence interval in saw cabin station number 1 of production line 650.

Highlights

Air pollution from iron- and steel-making operations has always been an environmental concern
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene (NIOSH) no. 550 was used for the determining the respirable particulate matter (RPM) concentrations in the Beam Rolling Mills Factory
Sampling schedule was dependent on the process of production in the Beam Rolling Mills Factory

Summary

Introduction

Air pollution from iron- and steel-making operations has always been an environmental concern. These pollutants, including particulate matters (PMs) such as soot and dust that may contain iron oxides, have been the focus of controls. Some effects are immediate while others may take years and even decades to develop. Changes in processes and equipments along with improvement in measures to keep exposures below toxic levels have reduced the risks to the workers. These have introduced new combinations of pollutants and there is always a danger of accidents, fires and explosions.[1,2].

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Conclusion