Publication: Concentrations and size distribution of inhalable and respirable dust among sugar industry workers: A pilot study in Khon Kaen, Thailand
Issued Date
2011-11-01
Resource Type
ISSN
10105395
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2-s2.0-82955194676
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. Vol.23, No.6 (2011), 967-979
Suggested Citation
Pornpun Sakunkoo, Naesinee Chaiear, Chalermchai Chaikittiporn, Steven Sadhra Concentrations and size distribution of inhalable and respirable dust among sugar industry workers: A pilot study in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. Vol.23, No.6 (2011), 967-979. doi:10.1177/1010539510365099 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/12246
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Title
Concentrations and size distribution of inhalable and respirable dust among sugar industry workers: A pilot study in Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Abstract
There has been very limited information regarding bagasse exposure among workers in sugar industries as well as on health outcomes. The authors determined the occupational exposure of sugar industry workers in Khon Kaen to airborne bagasse dust. The size of the bagasse dust ranged from 0.08 to 9 μm with the highest size concentration of 2.1 to 4.7 μm. The most common size had a geometric mean diameter of 5.2 μm, with a mass concentration of 6.89 mg/m3/log μm. The highest mean values of inhalable and respirable dust were found to be 9.29 mg/m3 from February to April in bagasse storage, 5.12 mg/m3 from May to September, and 4.12 mg/m3 from October to January. Inhalable dust concentrations were 0.33, 0.47, and 0.41 mg/m3, respectively. Workers are likely to be exposed to high concentrations of bagasse dust and are at risk of respiratory diseases. Preventive measures, both in the form of engineering designs and personal protective devices, should be implemented. © 2011 Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health.