The exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) in reinforced concrete production.
By Vijay Kumar MalesuSep 21 2023Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM In a recent study published in BMC Public Health, researchers investigated the exposure to fine particulate matter in reinforced concrete production environments and its impact on respiratory health and lung function among industry workers.
The shift towards artisanal production potentially obscured the real impact of occupational exposures on respiratory health. About the study In Almaty's industrial zone, a 7.52-hectare reinforced concrete plant employing 198 staff was studied for exposure in its production cycle, including concrete mixing, armature shop, metalworking, and molding workshops. An office nearby served as a control for potential environmental factors.
Related StoriesEvery participant provided informed written consent and completed a structured questionnaire available in both Russian and Kazakh. This aimed to obtain detailed work histories information on personal habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and respiratory symptoms.
Any participant with an FEV1/FVC below 0.7 was administered salbutamol and tested again using a specific spirometer, with no participant on regular respiratory medication. Study results Of the 198 permanent staff at the reinforced concrete products plant in Almaty's industrial zone, 162 participated in the study, resulting in an 82% response rate. The average participant was in their 40s and had worked for about 19 years.
In August 2023, 50 PM2.5 samples were collected from four production workshops and a non-production location . The least variation was in the office, with concentrations ranging from 17 to 45 µg/m3.