Wood Dust Research Articles

Evaluating the Serum Zinc and Testosterone Levels of Carpenters in Enugu Metropolis, South East Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Exposure to wood dust remains a pervasive occupational hazard with significant health implications Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of occupational exposure to wood dust on the zinc and testosterone levels of carpenters and to explore its potential implications for their fertility. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study employed simple random sampling to recruit forty carpenters and forty administrative staff after obtaining informed consent. The ethics committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital approved of the study. Serum zinc was analyzed with atomic absorption spectroscopy while testosterone was analyzed with the Fluorescence Immunchromatogarphy. Graph pad prism version 7 was used to analyze the data obtained from the study and a p value of 0.05 was used to ascertain statistical significance. Results: The mean zinc level of the test group (48.80 ± 0.83) µg/dl is statistically significantly lower than the reference group (52.40 ± 0.79) µg/dl, (p=0.003). The mean serum testosterone level of the test group (4.11± 0.10) ng/ml is statistically significantly lower than the reference group (4.51 ± 0.11) ng/ml, (p=0.010). Conclusion: These findings may suggest that occupational exposure to wood dust could potentially influence the serum levels of Zinc and testosterone levels.

Optimizing macroalgal biochar-based catalysts for monophenols recovery during wood dust catalytic pyrolysis: A comparative study using response surface methodology and artificial neural network

This study aimed to explore the optimization of macroalgal biochar-based catalysts (MBBCs) for enhanced monophenolic production in biomass pyrolysis. By utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN), key variables in the activation process during preparation of MBBCs were identified including activation temperature, activator ratio, and CO2 residence time. The results showed that the ANN model, with an R2 of 0.9816, accurately predicted optimal catalyst activation conditions, closely matching the experimentally determined optimal conditions (ENPC800-1:2–30). The bio-oil yield decreased under ENPC800-1:2–30 catalyst, but the monophenolic content increased significantly, reaching a relative content of 60 %, with a total concentration of phenol, cresols, and ethylphenol amounting to 35.54 mg/gbio-oil. The present study revealed significant changes in non-condensable gas composition, including increased hydrogen and carbon monoxide which aid in enhancing their energy applications. Thus, the optimized MBBCs greatly help in improving the bio-oil and non-condensable gas quality and thereby providing vital insights over sustainable chemical production through biomass pyrolysis.

Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Occupational/Environmental Exposure to Wood Dust and Laryngeal Cancer.

Wood dust is a human carcinogen. However, studies examining the relationship between wood dust exposure and laryngeal cancer have yielded inconsistent findings. Therefore, we systematically reviewed relevant studies examining the relationship between wood dust exposure and laryngeal cancer development, followed by a meta-analysis. Publications in the following databases were searched: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the study quality. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Eighteen case-control studies and one cohort study, involving a total of 4426 patients with laryngeal cancer and 319,129 control participants, were identified. The association between occupational/environmental exposure to wood dust and laryngeal cancer, if any, was unclear (adjusted combined OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.94-1.31). However, subgroup analyses according to the number of cases, geographic region, publication year, and follow-up duration revealed correlations between wood dust exposure correlated and laryngeal cancer, as follows: number of cases > 200 (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01-1.25 [n = 10]); studies conducted in the US (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.07-1.37 [n = 5]); follow-up time > 5 years (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.07-1.32 [n = 10]); and publication after the year 2000 (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04-1.28 [n = 8]). A high heterogeneity in the results was observed (I2 = 42.5%, p = 0.024). The results were stable, and no publication bias existed, according to sensitivity analysis. This meta-analysis suggests that wood dust exposure is associated with laryngeal cancer. Additional large-scale studies are warranted to clarify the relationship between wood dust exposure and laryngeal cancer.

Expert-based assessment of chemical and physical exposures, and organizational factors, in past agricultural jobs

BackgroundLimited data document the spectrum of exposures in the agricultural environment. We describe here the wide range of chemical and physical agents, and organizational factors, encountered in agricultural jobs held in the past in Canada and abroad. MethodsWe used data from a population-based case-control study of prostate cancer including 3,925 male participants residing in Montreal, Canada in 2005-2012. Lifetime occupational histories and detailed job descriptions were collected in-person. Industrial hygienists and an agronomist conducted semi-quantitative evaluations of exposure, including intensity and reliability, to some 300 chemical and physical agents in each job held. Analyses focused on the 156 agricultural jobs ever held in the study population. Clusters of agricultural co-exposures were derived. ResultsAgricultural jobs had taken place in 1946-2012, 53% ending in 1970 or after. Jobs were often (43%) held in Quebec, Canada; 22% in Italy, Portugal or Greece, and 10% in Haiti. Jobs entailed exposure to an average of 10 chemical agents (± 7) and most were characterized by long working hours, high physical activity levels, and did not provoke stress or anxiety. Few involved early morning shifts. Exposure to 78 agents was assigned with probable or definite certainty. The most common definite or probable carcinogens were ultraviolet radiation (92% of jobs), environmental tobacco smoke (39%), diesel engine exhaust (23%), wood dust (20%), lubricating oils and greases (20%) and lead (15%). Pesticide exposure (as a group) occurred in 31% of jobs. Fifty-four percent of jobs entailed exposure to ≥ 2 recognized carcinogens. Exposure clusters varied according to countries and type of agricultural activities (general, animal, crops, horticulture, vineyards, etc.). ConclusionsFindings highlight the heterogeneity of exposure patterns in past agricultural environments based on their setting and activities involved. Studies on health-related effects of farming should account for numerous potential exposures, beyond their typical focus on pesticides.

Sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma in northern Portugal: a woodworker’s occupational hazard

Abstract Background Sinonasal carcinomas (SNC) constitute about 3% of all head and neck carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma being the most common histologic subtype. Some geographical patterns in incidence are observed, as occupational exposure to wood dust is associated with intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC). Aims This study aims to describe the prevalence and characteristics of sinonasal ITAC cases in a region of northern Portugal with a robust wood industry. Methods A retrospective study of all sinonasal malignancies diagnosed over 5 years, in a tertiary hospital, primarily focused on ITAC subtypes. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected through electronic medical records and telephonic assessments. Results Of all 33 cases, 85% were ITAC. ITAC predominantly affected males (96%) with a mean age of 66.2 years. Most patients diagnosed with sinonasal ITAC had occupational wood dust exposure (96%), particularly to hardwoods. Initial symptoms included unilateral nasal obstruction (75%) and epistaxis (71%). Despite a median time of 3 months from symptoms to consultation, 50% presented at an advanced stage, with a 29% mortality rate. Conclusions Sinonasal ITAC is an occupational hazard of woodworkers and represents the vast majority of SNC in the region. This study advocates for targeted community interventions, emphasizing occupational safety measures and healthcare awareness to reduce morbimortality associated with this occupational cancer.

Odorless Probiotic Chicken of Eco-Smart Poultry Coop

The smell of chicken waste has become a serious problem in Malaysia. Flies and an unpleasant odor from poultry coop plague the locals. To decrease the disagreeable odor of chicken manure, the approach used in this study is charcoal as an adsorption method to adsorb an ammonia gas. The sawdust is used as a drying agent for the chicken waste to ensure it produces no smell, and it also contains EM (Effective Microorganisms) as a decomposition mechanism for the bacteria in the chicken waste. The research result obtained positive results based on the number of flies, the odor examined through human surveys, the difference between probiotic and normal chicken waste, and the difference in fat content identified in probiotic chicken. It has been demonstrated by studies that while using wood dust and charcoal can aid in eliminating the odor of chicken droppings, processing chicken droppings with an EM solution is crucial before the droppings start to smell bad. Implementing an automatic system to manage chicken feed and drink is a recommended approach to ensure the project's success. This will ensure that the chickens obtain the proper amount of food and drink at the time specified. Given that chickens are highly susceptible to extreme heat or cold, the following recommendation is to monitor the cage's temperature and humidity levels. The ammonia odor associated with poultry farming affects not only the environment but also people. People who live close to the area where chickens are raised will feel uncomfortable because of this issue. The probiotic approach is the problem-solving strategy, according to the research. The chickens' digestive tract will be aided using EM solution as a drink and meal, resulting in less offensive chicken faeces.

Effects of spherical fillers reinforcement on the efficacy of thermal conductivity in epoxy and polyester matrices: Experimental validation and prediction using finite element method

AbstractThe creation of a theoretical heat conduction model for polymers embedded with spherical inclusions is described in this study. It also contains the experimental confirmation of the suggested correlation for utilizing the model to estimate the effective thermal conductivity (K) of such composites. According to ASTM‐E‐1530, composites are made with varying amounts of aluminium oxide and pine wood dust reinforced in polyester resin. The effective thermal conductivities (Keff) of the composites are then determined using the Unitherm TM model 2022. Ansys 19.R2 software is used to evaluate the effective thermal conductivity of these composites with a uniform filler distribution, while Digimat‐FE software is used determine the thermal conductivity values of such particle filled polymer composites with a random filler distribution. After comparison and validation with experimental data, these values are shown to be fairly good agreement with the theoretical values from the suggested correlation. The investigation is further expanded to determine the thermal conductivities for epoxy composites using wood apple shell dust and coir dust particle. Also epoxy and polyester composites reinforced with SiO2 and TiO2 have been investigated in the similar manner. The main thrust of this report to validate the numerical results of composites by varying numerous polymers. The thermal conductivity all the composites grow monotonically with increase in filler content. The thermal conductivity of silicon dioxide, titanium oxide, and aluminium oxide filled epoxy composites is measured as 1.5, 7, and 35 W/m‐K respectively.Highlights In this study spherical fillers are successfully used as a potential filler material in polyester composites The thermal conductivity predicted by proposed mathematical model of polyester is validated with measured value and found better agreement. The Ansys 19.R2 and digimat software are used to predict the thermal conductivity values of these composites. The mathematical model is further used to predict thermal conductivity of epoxy composites to check the accuracy of the model.

Wood dust and risk of leukemia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between wood dust exposure and leukemia. The objectives included synthesizing available evidence, assessing its quality, identifying potential sources of heterogeneity, and drawing conclusions regarding the association between wood dust and leukemia. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies meeting that report on the association between wood dust and leukemia. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools were employed to ensure robust quality assessment. Meta-analysis, using random-effects models, synthesized evidence from studies with low risk of bias. Overall odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Subgroup analyses explored potential sources of heterogeneity. The meta-analysis included a comprehensive review of various study types, encompassing 7 studies that examined the association between wood dust exposure and leukemia risk. The analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association, with an overall odds ratio (OR) of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.15-2.12). This indicates that individuals exposed to wood dust are 1.56 times more likely to develop leukemia compared to those not exposed, with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.15 to 2.12, highlighting a substantial risk elevation across different study designs. Quality assessment using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools demonstrated a low risk of bias across all included studies, enhancing the credibility of the observed association. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity within the studies. Notably, subgroup analysis based on the year of the study revealed significant differences, as indicated by an I^2 value of 87%. The robustness of these results underscores the importance of addressing wood dust exposure as an occupational hazard, particularly in industries related to woodworking and forestry. This meta-analysis provides robust evidence supporting an increased risk of leukemia associated with wood dust exposure implying proactive measures in people exposed to dust.

Integrating process safety management into Canadian wood pellet facilities that generate combustible wood dust

Integrating process safety management into Canadian wood pellet facilities that generate combustible wood dust

Evaluation of wood chips terminal velocity and some morphological properties in a wind tunnel experiment

AbstractThe removal of wood dust and chips from the work area is also important for occupational health safety regulation and to avoid the risk of fire and dust explosion. Knowledge of the terminal velocity is an important condition for the effective and economical operation of commonly used wood dust-chip extraction systems. While the largest particles are important from the point of view of the operation of the extraction system, knowledge of the terminal velocity of small particles (under 1 mm) is desirable from the point of view of separation and occupational health safety. New measuring and calculation method is developed in order to determine the terminal velocity of wood particles. We built an experimental device to measure the terminal velocity of wood dust-chip particles, and using the experimental results, we modified the calculated terminal velocity based on the modified equivalent particle density (100–130 kg/m3) in the 1–150 μm size range. The terminal velocity of wood particles under 150 μm more and more deviates from the theoretical values. As a result of mechanical processing, the resulting wood particles’ shape is in most cases flat. The average thickness of the wood particles is mainly determined by the sawing parameters. The flat shape of particles increases the specific surface area in a certain extent depending on the distribution parameters.

Experimental study on the inertization of wood-based biomass with solid inerts

Wood pellets are one of the primary solid substitutes for fossil fuels worldwide. They present both advantages and disadvantages that have been widely studied, where one of the main disadvantages is the risk of self-heating, which may lead to smouldering combustion or explosion. The risk of smouldering increases with decreasing particle size, while the difference in fire behaviour due to particle sizes needs to be studied in more detail. One of the techniques used to avoid, or decrease, the risk of smouldering is inertization. Inertization with gases is ineffective due to the difficulty gas has in accessing all voids in solid materials. An alternative solution is to use inert solids instead of gas.This research empirically studies the fire behaviour of wood pellets and wood dust with particle size of less than 1 mm, and the influence of solid inertization in both materials in two different configurations: mixed and layered. The ignition initiation of both particle sizes is similar, while the cool-down phase is quicker in the case of dust. However, inertization of dust needs a significantly higher amount of inert solids than in the case of pellets, being easier to avoid smouldering when the inerts are disposed in layers rather than mixed with the materials.

Working conditions and health effects of workers in a microware manufacturer of medical furniture, Maracay 2019

The present study aimed to determine the working conditions and health effects of the workers of a medical furniture manufacturing microenterprise. For this purpose, a quantitative and descriptive research was carried out, applied to 6 workers, the data collection technique was based on non-participant structured observation to know the work process and a structured interview in which the guide questionnaire was applied Colombian technique 450 to identify risk factors, their level and acceptability; To recognize the health effects, the questionnaire on risks and damages by Pere and Laurent was applied with the body diagram of pain. The hazardous work processes identified were: inadequate lighting, sharp objects, moving machines and tools, particle projection, welding smoke, wood dust, vibrations, gases and vapors, lifting and transporting loads, inappropriate positions. The risk factors identified were: physical and chemical with a level of risk III being acceptable, as well as dysergonomic and mechanical with a level of risk II being not acceptable, likewise the health conditions identified were injuries by accident, eye and respiratory problems and muscle aches, the most frequent areas of pain being legs, neck and lumbar region

Experimental Study on Flame Spread of Pine Wood Dust Layer Under Horizontal Rotation Condition

ABSTRACT The rotating discs of wood polishing machines and the rotating bases of winding machines rotate horizontally during operation, and a layer of wood dust may be deposited on their surfaces. The study of flame spreading of wood dust layer in the rotating state has not been reported in the literature. Based on this situation, in this study, the flame spreading of pine wood dust layers in three particle size ranges under stationary and different rotating conditions were carried out and analyzed comparatively. The results show that the flame spreading speed of the pine wood dust layer from 74~100 micrometers positively correlates with the rotational angular velocity. The flame-spreading speed of a pine wood dust layer larger than 100 micrometers negatively correlated with the rotational angular velocity. This indicates that the flame spreading speed of the pine wood dust layer is affected by the combined effect of dust particle size and dust layer motion state. The flame propagation speed of the 74~100 micron pine dust layer was 3.3 mm/s when the rotational angular velocity was 0.167 rad/s, which was the maximum flame propagation speed in all experimental conditions. The maximum flame height of the pine dust layer in the rotating state was at least 55.6% higher than that in the stationary state.From the combined view of the three parameters of flame spreading speed, flame duration, and maximum flame height, the fire danger is greater in the rotating state than in the stationary state. Within a certain range, the larger the rotational angular velocity, the greater the fire hazard.

P-199 EXPOSURE TO WOOD DUST AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS DURING WOOD PROCESSING WORK

P-199 EXPOSURE TO WOOD DUST AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS DURING WOOD PROCESSING WORK

Assessment of Occupational Hazards and Health Status (Respiratory and Non-respiratory) Among Sawmillers in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Sawmilling exposed workers to diverse occupational mishaps and subsequent health complications. Investigating workplace risk and health status can help mitigate morbidness and death among this group. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the occupational hazards and health status of sawmill workers in Akure, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted on 304 sawmill workers in Akure metropolis selected via multi-stage sampling methodology. Data were collected using a pre-tested, standardized questionnaire. In addition, the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (mmHg), and respiratory function parameters (spirometry) were measured. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square) were used to evaluate and summarize the data, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The respondents' average age was 42.0 ± 2.8 years. The common reported workplace hazards included noise 273 (89.8%), manual lifting of objects 221 (72.7%), heat 192 (63.2%), and wood dust 192 (63.2%), while common reported injuries were bruises 292 (96.1%), hearing impairment 281 (92.4%), electric shock 250 (82.2%), and fainting attack 232 (76.3%). The common prevalent ailments suffered by respondents in the last month were cough 158 (52.0%), phlegm production 149 (49.0%), chest pain 63 (20.7%), skin problems 100 (32.9%), and eyes irritation 111 (36.5%). The anthropometric measurement showed that most 272 (89.5%) sawmill workers are overweight and obese. Spirometry measurements revealed that one-third of the respondents had a forced expiratory ratio (FER) measurement below 70.00% and an abnormal respiratory rate. The bivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the respondents' self-reported prior workplace injury, knowledge of workplace dangers, and sociodemographic characteristics (job category and educational level). Conclusions: The results showed that the respondents suffered from impaired respiratory function related to workplace hazard exposure and the non-usage of protective devices during operational activities. In addition, the majority are at risk of developing diverse cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to workplace exposures.

Exploring the potential of chemical recycling of waste medium-density fiberboards (MDF) under oxidative and pyrolytic conditions

Medium-density fiberboards (MDFs) have been widely used to replace natural wood in structural and non-structural applications (mostly in furniture). On the positive side, the use of MDF has certainly reduced the level ofdeforestation. However, there is a need to develop a safe and effective treatment method for waste MDF as the presence of chemical additives in MDF and the generation of fine wood dust pose environmental and health challenges. Thermal decomposition of MDF taps into the “waste-to-energy” approach that has been broadly utilized in the disposal of organic-based wastes. Along this line of inquiry, this study entails three aims; (i) to compute thermodynamics and kinetic functions that govern the decomposition of MDF at conditions encountered at real pyrolytic and combustion conditions in waste incinerators; (ii) to acquire the temperature-dependent profiles of decomposition products; and (iii) to report ultimate and proximate analyses of MDF. Under both pyrolytic and combustion conditions, the thermal decay of MDF exhibits three stages that reflect its structural composition. Pertinent thermo-kinetic parameters were computed using model-fitting and iso-conversational formalisms. The nitrogen content in MDF peaked at 6.3%; significantly higher than that of natural wood (i.e., 1%) and originated from the use of urea formaldehyde resin. Chemical analysis indicates that nitrogenated (i.e., N,N-Dimethylacetamide) and oxygenated (i.e., catechol) products dominate the composition of the non-condensable fraction upon pyrolysis and oxidation of MDF. Such a finding calls for the importance of a post-treatment catalytic process that converts N- and O-containing products into pure hydrocarbons. The high nitrogen content in char of MDF indicates its potential utilization as soil nutrients. Values and insights reported herein are to establish a technical foundation for a biorefinery or a thermal facility that uses waste MDF as a feedstock.

Investigation of performance reduction of PV system due to environmental dust: Indoor and real-time analysis

This paper analyzes the effect of different types of dust on the reduction of PV systems' performance. The PV system installed on the field gives maximum output. However, in a real-time scheme, the PV system fails to generate the desired power output due to various realistic and unavoidable factors like soiling. Different dust particles accumulating on photovoltaic (PV) modules result in shadowing and reduced irradiance, impacting power production. The study investigates eight dust samples (ash, dirt, cement, brick powder, putty, wood dust, sand, and salt) in indoor and outdoor environments. It evaluates the decrease in power at solar irradiance levels of 500, 700, and 1000 W/m². The soiling experiments conducted indoors show that the maximum% reduction in power is 39.21 % in the case of Ash, while a minimum of 8.32 % in the case of red soil. The outdoor experiments suggest that red soil, sand, and brick dust can create huge power losses in the PV system, followed by ash powder, wood dust, putty dust, salt, and cement powder. The advantages of this research lie in its thorough analysis of several forms of dust and their impact on photovoltaic (PV) systems under different circumstances. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the crucial need for implementing dust control measures to maximize system performance, thereby providing insightful information for system design and maintenance procedures. The novelty of this study is to investigate the performance impact of various kinds of dust on PV systems, offering significant insights for improving system efficiency in real-world circumstances. The research enhances the reliability and applicability of its results by thoroughly assessing outdoor and indoor conditions, bridging the gap between laboratory results and practical applications.

Respiratory Effects and Pulmonary Functions Related to Wood Dust Exposure among Workers in a Rubber Wood Factory

This study aimed to determine the effects of wood dust exposure on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions in wood dust factory workers and the association between wood dust exposure and pulmonary functions. This cross-sectional study comprised of one hundred workers who answered a self-reported questionnaire. Two factory areas, the production department and the back office, were explored using stationary air sampling. The wood dust concentration was collected using NIOSH Method 0600. Pulmonary function parameters were evaluated through spirometry. A descriptive statistics analysis was done for personal information. Binary logistic regression determined the association between wood dust exposure and respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms related to wood dust exposure at work was 49.00 percent. Three major symptoms in the exposed group includes chest pain, shortness of breath, and asthma. The average amount of PM10 in the saw mill area was significantly higher than in the back office (7.23 vs. 1.60 mg/m3). There was a significant difference in forced expiratory capacity between the reference and exposure groups (mean difference = -4.03, p-value = 0.011). The adjusted odd ratio showed that the high wood dust-exposed group had a lower runny nose and dry cough than the reference group. All workers need to consider using personal protective equipment with appropriate specifications in the sawmill area and also the other areas where wood dust levels are high. To control the concentration of respirable particles, resource and pathway control must be applied to reduce the concentration of respirable particles in the workplace.

Aplikasi Berbagai Komposisi Bahan Baku Organik Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Fertilizer is a nutrient that is the main need for plants. One of the organic materials that is widely used as organic fertilizer is chicken manure which can have an influence on the availability of nutrients and improve the structure of soil which is very deficient in organic nutrients and can also fertilize plants. One of the dry leaves that has the potential to be used as organic fertilizer is ketapang leaves, which have a C-Organic nutrient content of 60.32%; N-Total 0.55 % ; P-Total 0.14 % ; K-Total 0.20%. In addition, the nutrient content of chicken feces is N 1%; P 0.80% ; K 0.40% and water content 55%. The wood powder content consists of chemical components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and extractive substances. This research method uses a completely randomized design, consisting of 5 treatments of various raw material compositions of chicken manure, dry ketapang leaves and wood dust. The ratio of the use of organic fertilizer and soil is 50: 50. This research aims to determine the height growth and number of leaves for cayenne pepper based on from various raw material compositions of chicken manure, ketapang leaves and wood dust. This research consisted of 5 treatments of various raw material compositions of chicken manure, dry ketapang leaves and sawdust. The ratio of organic fertilizer and soil was 50: 50. The results from observing plant height were that P1 was 6 cm high and the highest number of leaves on P2 was 7 pieces. However, the addition of organic fertilizer with various compositions does not have much effect on the growth of cayenne pepper seeds.

Assessment of indoor air quality of the furniture manufacturers in Binh Duong industrial parks, Vietnam

Abstract Wood furniture and related products are created from raw wood and or wood products that require cutting, sanding, and other handling activities that generate wood dust. Exposure to indoor factory air pollutants can have significant health consequences for workers and nearby communities. Therefore, it was necessary to implement the assessment of indoor air quality in furniture manufacturers. This study mainly aimed to assess the indoor air quality status of physical and chemical aspects at 3 different furniture factories. Each sample was analysed for eight parameters including TSP, PM10, PM2.5, noise, temperature, humidity, wind, and light. Sampling and sample handling techniques were performed based on the usage test methods of Vietnam standards. The concentrations of TSP (194 – 493 μg/m3), PM10 (106.7 – 153.8 μg/m3), PM2.5 (72.8 – 95.6 μg/m3); and, the variables of noise (70.4 – 80.3 dBA), temperature (29.4 – 32.4 °C), humidity (58.0 – 69.4 %), wind (0.29 – 0.49) and light (327 – 573) these considered at 3 furniture manufacturers were within the allowable thresholds of QCVN 02:2019/BYT (Permissible exposure limit value of dust at the workplace), QCVN24:2016/BYT (Permissible exposure levels of noise in the workplace), QCVN26:2016/BYT (Permissible value of microclimate in the workplace); and, QCVN22:2016/BYT (Permissible levels of lighting in the workplace). However, long-term direct exposure of workers to these pollutants would also result in potential health risks. This study also suggested the management and technical control solutions to contribute to improving air quality for furniture manufacturers.