Airborne toxic exposure and pulmonary outcomes among petrochemical complex workers

Background Petrochemical workers are exposed to a variety of airborne toxic compounds which have been associated with increased risk for respiratory outcomes. However, long-term exposure to SO2, NO2, O3, H2S and NH3 in relation to spirometric parameters and self-reported respiratory problems is largely unknown. Methods Airborne concentration levels of SO2, NO2, O3, H2S and NH3 were collected from two fixed stations over a 3-year period in a petrochemical complex. We assessed spirometric parameters and respiratory symptoms in the petrochemical workers (n = 200) and in an unexposed group (n = 200). We calculated β-coefficients (β) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) before and after adjustment for covariates. Results The mean airborne pollution levels were 159 µg/m3 for SO2, 43 µg/m3 for NO2, 66 µg/m3 for O3, 6 µg/m3 for H2S, and 24 µg/m3 for NH3. We found a significant reduction in spirometric parameters among petrochemical workers compared to the unexposed: FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1s) (adjusted β -12; 95%CI -16, -7.64), FEV1/ FVC (forced vital capacity) (β -7.26; 95%CI -9.23, -5.28), and PEF (peak expiratory flow) (β -6.61; 95%CI -12, -0.76). Additionally, we observed higher adjusted risks for any respiratory symptom (OR 4.69; 95%CI 1.76, 12), mucus (OR 4.36; 95%CI 1.70, 11) and shortness of breath (OR 15; 4.95, 46) among petrochemical workers compared to the unexposed group. Conclusions Most measured airborne pollution levels were within the ambient recommendation levels. Still, long-term exposure to low level airborne pollutants, reduced FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF, and increased respiratory symptoms in Iranian petrochemical workers compared to unexposed controls.

ASSESSMENT OF AIR POLLUTION IN THE CITIES OF PERM REGION

The chemicals emitted from stationary and mobile sources into the air in cities have a harmful effect on the population, contributing to the growth of morbidity and mortality and disturbing the natural environment. In Perm Krai, Russia, industrial facilities discharge about 360 chemicals into the air. The airborne pollution mostly comes from chemical industry, oil and minerals extraction, metallurgical industry, power generation, and transport. This study focused on the assessment of airborne pollution in the cities of Perm Krai. The study used data of the Perm Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, published in annual environmental reports. It was found that the main pollutant emissions from stationary sources are liquid and gaseous substances. The most common emission components are hydrocarbons coming from pipeline transportation facilities. The second most common substance is carbon monoxide emitted by combustion of various fuels. Gross pollutant emissions tended to increase from 2014 to 2018, with a steady growth of emissions from mobile sources. Airborne pollution was assessed by the comprehensive air quality index, taking into account several substances that make the largest contribution to airborne pollution (this year). The monitoring results from Berezniki, Gubakha, Krasnokamsk, Lysva, Perm, Solikamsk and Tchaikovsky were analyzed. The paper presents the dynamics of air quality index in these cities from 2008 to 2018. The highest index value (‘very high’) was observed in Solikamsk in 2012; the lowest index value, in Tchaikovsky. The airborne pollution in these cities showed a tendency to decrease over the past six years, possibly, due to the use of more advanced emissions cleaning technologies and the decommissioning of some industrial facilities. The cities that have large industrial companies, such as Perm, Berezniki, Lysva and Solikamsk, experience the greatest environmental burden from stationary sources. Emissions of volatile organic compounds and sulfur dioxide from stationary sources increased from 2016 to 2018, although neither ‘high’, nor ‘very high’ pollution was observed in the cities of Perm Krai from 2013 to 2018.

Effect of airborne pollution of cement factory and brick kilns on human health in Bokajan area

Cement and brick manufacturing include emissions of airborne pollution during operation and production which can cause tremendous effect on human health and environment. Thus, this study was undertaken with the aim to study the health condition of the workers working in the cement factory and brick kiln of Bokajan, Assam and their adoption rate of safety measures. A total of 80 workers (40 numbers of workers exposed to cement dust and another 40 numbers of brick manufacturing workers) were randomly selected for the study. Data were gathered by personal interview and observation method. The findings of the study depicted that the workers of the cement factory and brick kiln of Bokajan were exposed to industrial dust and smoke for prolonged period, causing different health problems on them. Adoption rate of the safety measures was very poor among the brick kiln workers, while the cement factory workers fairly adopted few safety measurers provided by the factory. The study recommends proper preventive measures and awareness for health and wellbeing of the workers which would increase work efficiency and productivity.