The Exposure of Workers at a Busy Road Node to PM2.5: Occupational Risk Characterisation and Mitigation Measures
Obuks A Ejohwomu1, Majeed Oladokun2, Olalekan S Oshodi3
1School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
Summary
High levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in low-income countries pose health risks. Facemasks and occupational shifts can effectively mitigate exposure to these harmful air pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Urban Air Quality
Background:
- Urban air pollution, particularly PM2.5, is a significant health concern globally.
- Effective interventions for PM2.5 exposure in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) require further investigation.
- Building-level interventions at busy road nodes in LMICs are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of effective interventions for improving air quality at a building near a busy road in an LMIC.
- To evaluate temporal variability of pollutants and compare occupational shift patterns with facemask use for risk control.
- To provide data-driven insights for protecting individuals in high-pollution urban environments.
Main Methods:
- Adopted a positivist philosophy and deductive reasoning.
- Assessed temporal variability of pollutants (PM2.5) around a university environment.
- Compared the efficacy of facemasks (varying efficiencies) and occupational shift strategies (2h ON, 2h OFF) for exposure mitigation.
Main Results:
- PM2.5 concentrations frequently exceeded WHO reference values by up to 300%, exacerbated by episodic events.
- A decay period of approximately one week was observed for PM2.5.
- Facemasks with 80% efficiency eliminated exposure risks without occupational shifts.
- Facemasks with 50% efficiency, combined with a '2h ON, 2h OFF' shift, provided sufficient mitigation.
Conclusions:
- Targeted protection and hotspot avoidance are crucial for at-risk individuals in busy urban road nodes.
- Facemasks are a viable intervention for reducing PM2.5 exposure in LMICs.
- Combined strategies of facemask use and occupational adjustments can significantly lower health risks from air pollution.
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