Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria

Autor: Funmilola Oyebanji, Yahaya Mijinyawa, Olusola Olabisi Ogunseye, Godson R. E. E. Ana
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Aerosol and Air Quality Research. 21:200509
ISSN: 2071-1409
1680-8584
Popis: The link between agricultural activities and respiratory disease puts farmers at risk of exposure to particulate matter, potentially reducing lung function. Thus, this comparative cross-sectional work employed a spirometric index and perception studies by conducting interviews and on-the-spot lung function tests on 195 farmers living in seven farm settlements of Ogun State and 195 non-farmers living in other areas to assess the ambient levels of the suspended particulate matter and estimate the dust exposure among the first group. The collected data were evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics and indicated that the majority of the farmers (51.8%) applied manure, fertilizer and chemical sprays without using personal protective equipment (PPE), although a large percentage of both the farmers (74.9%) and the non-farmers (82.1%) understood that poor air quality could cause respiratory disease. The highest concentrations of the total suspended particles (TSP; 29.89 ± 23.52 µg m–3) and PM10 (18.45 ± 16.97 µg m–3) were observed during the wet season, whereas that of the PM2.5 (18.45 ± 11.72 µg m–3) was observed during the dry season. Additionally, the mean concentrations of the PM10 and PM2.5 exhibited significant seasonal variation (p < 0.001). The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) also varied considerably between the farmers (1.16 ± 0.87 and 244.32 ± 117.96, respectively) and non-farmers (2.47 ± 0.87 and 271.29 ± 104.09, respectively). Our results showed that the farmers engaged in poor safety practices and possessed reduced lung function compared to non-farmers. Hence, we advise farmers to adopt the use of PPE and follow safety measures. Furthermore, routine assessment of particulate matter and lung function should be encouraged in farm settlements.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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