Abstract:
The workers in two industrial waste disposal plant have been exposed to various pollutants, for instance, Particulate Matter; PM (PM2.5, PM10-2.5) and heavy metals contaminating during the waste treatment process. The health risks of workers exposed to particulate matter and heavy metals were studied. The average PM concentrations were PM2.5; area (30.33±2.51 and 41.21±1.12 µg/m3), total person (45.86±9.85 and 144.99±119.11 µg/m3) and PM10-2.5; area (14.77±0.29 and 15.09±0.35 µg/m3), total persons (27.73±8.63 and 48.04±43.49 µg/m3) in Plant 1 and 2, respectively. Heavy metal in the particulate samples, As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in plant 1; area were 1.19±0.09, 0.55±0.05 and 0.78±0.14 µg/m3, personal sample were 1.22±0.08, 0.55±0.08, and 0.87±0.12 µg/m3, respectively. In-Plant 2, As, Cd and Pb concentrations; area samples were 0.52±0.21, 0.55±0.05 and 0.38±0.05 µg/m3, personal samples were 0.58±0.13, 0.53±0.06 and 0.41±0.05 µg/m3, respectively. The values of As, Cd, and Pb in the dust were within the limit level prescribed by the Occupational health national standard. Cr and Hg were not detected in the particulate samples. The average levels of As-total, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Hg that were found in the urine were As-total (91.67±98.63 and 59.29±32.03 µg/L), Cr (0.82±0.51 and 1.03±1.02 µg/L), Cd (1.46±1.14 and 0.62±0.46 µg/g.creatinine), Pb (8.83±12.70 and 0.31±0.52 µg/g.creatinine), and Hg (7.80±15.62 and 0.66±1.50 µg/g.creatinine) in plant 1 and 2, respectively. As, Cd and Pb in urine samples of plant 1 were higher than in plant 2. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment, Hazard Quotient, and Hazard Index of As and Cd in ingestion route exposure were more than 1. Cancer Risk of As, Cd, and Pb in ingestion exposure and As in dermal exposure were >10-6 in both plants. The association of PPEs has apron used affected the Pb levels in urine and personal hygiene of workers had ate snack/drink water at working area affected the As, Cd, Pb and Hg levels in urine were significantly at p<0.05. To reduce risk, the control of food/drink intake in the workplace, an annual health check program, and providing of personal protective equipment for employees were recommended.