WORKPLACE EXPOSURE MONITORING AND MORBIDITYPATTERN OF WORKERS EMPLOYED IN HIGHWAY TOLL PLAZA

Abstract

At the toll plaza, vehicle operation, including acceleration and deceleration, emit more pollutants and takes longer to cross the area, with the highest level of pollution being generated during this period. As a result, the workers are exposed to numerous sorts of pollution for an extended periodof time throughout their workday. In the present study, we monitored probable contaminants inside the toll plaza in order to assess the morbidity conditions of these individuals as a result of chronic exposures at the workplace. Personal measurements of particulate matter (PM), total volatile organic carbons (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-particulate phase were considered to determine exposure. The mean work shift dustconcentration of PM2.5 and PM10 readings were within the permissible level of Indian standards (PM2.5 60 μg/m3 and PM10 100 μg/m3) but exceed the WHO recommended guideline (PM2.5 15 μg/m3and PM10 45 μg/m3). The maximum CO concentration was 2.65 ppm, while the lowest was 0.31ppm.Lesser aerodynamic particulate matter of PM1 and PM4 and gases, which were monitored, have norecognised standards. H2S concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 2.00 ppm, while VOC concentrations ranged from 0.08 to 0.41ppm. Total PAHs were found in the range of 2.10-24.81 μg/m3 and Benzo [] Pyrene (BaP) was identified in the range of 2.10-7.60 g μg/m3 in each sample. Headache (66 %), back pain (60.4 %), coughing (54.7 %), hair fall (41.5%), tearing (32.2 %), itching eyes (32.2 %), joint pain (28.3 %), congestion in the nose (17%), sore throat (%), and neck pain (15.1 %) were the mostcommon health problems reported by toll plaza workers.