Occupational exposure to fine particulate matter (PM4 and PM2.5) during artisanal cookware manufacturing: personal, indoor and outdoor levels

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with adverse respiratory, cardiovascular and pregnancy outcomes. Artisanal cookware manufacturing involves preparing sand molds for casting and a smelting process to cast liquid aluminium melted from a collection of scrap metal. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize occupational exposure to fine particulate matter (PM4 and PM2.5) during artisanal cookware manufacturing, and to examine the relationship between personal, indoor and outdoor PM levels. Methods: Exposure to fine particulate matter was measured for 17 male participants across five artisanal cookware manufacturing sites during the winter season. SidePak personal aerosol monitors (AM520) were used to measure personal exposure to PM4, while a DustTrak monitor and an E-sampler were used to assess indoor and outdoor PM2.5 levels, respectively. Personal measurements were undertaken for a period of 3 hours per participant. Indoor and outdoor sampling was performed for a period of 8 hours for each site. A questionnaire was administered face-to-face by field workers to capture information on demographic characteristics. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between personal, indoor and outdoor levels was used. Time series record of 15-min averages for indoor and outdoor PM2.5 levels were assessed. Results: Personal PM exposure levels at breathing zones of workers exceeded environmental levels. The mean (SD) was 490 µg/m3 (3520), 150 µg/m3 (390) and 20 µg/m3 (50), respectively for personal PM4, indoor and outdoor PM2.5. Time series analysis showed higher indoor than outdoor PM levels with little evidence of elevated outdoor PM sources. In most cases, there were somewhat low correlations between personal, indoor and outdoor PM measurements. Correlation was higher between PM and meteorological factors in some of the sites. Conclusions: The levels of fine particulate exposure among artisanal cookware makers were elevated, especially in respect of personal breathing zone measurements.