Aim: The present study aimed to assess selected workplace environmental conditions, namely Air Quality Index (AQI), ambient temperature, and relative humidity, in small-scale spice processing units of Jorhat district, Assam, and evaluate their compliance with recommended reference limits.

Background: Small-scale spice processing units constitute an important component of the agro-processing sector and involve operations such as grinding, sieving, blending, drying, sorting, and packaging. These activities may influence environmental conditions within the workplace through the generation of airborne particulate matter and heat. In addition, the climatic conditions of Assam, particularly relatively high temperature and humidity, may further affect indoor workplace conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in eight registered spice processing units selected through simple random sampling from a sampling frame of 40 registered units in Jorhat district, Assam. Environmental monitoring was conducted during active production hours in March-April 2025. Parameters assessed included ambient temperature, relative humidity and indoor air quality were assessed using calibrated real-time air quality monitoring instruments. The observed values were summarized using minimum, maximum and mean values and compared with relevant recommended reference limits.

Results: The findings revealed that the average workplace temperature (30.6°C), with values ranging from 27.7°C to 33.1°C. Relative humidity ranged from 63.0% to 73.0%, with a mean of (68.4%) which exceeded recommended comfort limits. Both the mean temperature and relative humidity were above the reference comfort ranges considered in the study.