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VOL. 6, ISSUE 3 (2024)
Assessment of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and their health effects on rice mills workers in some selected areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh
Authors
Deapika Paul Pew, Md. Rakibul Hassan
Abstract
When air pollution levels are unhealthy, fine particle pollution is a cause for concern. A study was conducted in some selected areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. The research found that all operational units of auto and semi-auto rice mills reported levels of PM10 and PM2.5 significantly higher than the 24-hour limits set by the AQI and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards of Bangladesh. The average highest concentration of both PM10 and PM2.5 was found in Mymensingh Sadar, with the highest value of 525.75 µg/m3 and 408 µg/m3 respectively. Others Upazila concentration is not satisfactory. The average PM2.5 value in the sampling areas ranged from 250 to 400 µg/m3, significantly higher than the NAAQS of 65 µg/m3. On the other hand, PM10 value in sampling area ranges from 330 to 530 µg/m3, significantly higher than the NAAQS of 150 µg/m3. PM10 and PM2.5 concentration is higher in automated rice mils than semi auto rice mills. A questionnaire survey was done to determine health conditions of the workers. The result has shown that rice mill workers experienced respiratory symptoms and eye irritation (70%), asthma and allergies (73%), lung diseases (60%), arrythmia (18%), and shortness of Breath (42%). The findings highlight the need for improved ventilation systems to reduce dust in the rice mill areas and regulations to protect workers and the environment. Findings can also improve the environmentally responsible construction of rice mills and government monitoring of safe working conditions.
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Pages:39-46
How to cite this article:
Deapika Paul Pew, Md. Rakibul Hassan "Assessment of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and their health effects on rice mills workers in some selected areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 6, Issue 3, 2024, Pages 39-46
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