Effects of Dust Particles on Human Respiratory System among Otukpo Rice Mill workers

Abstract

: Exposure to dust has become a great concern to the public due to its adverse effect on human respiratory related diseases. In this study, the effect of dust from rice processing in two major rice mills (Ijami road rice mill and Okete-Oglewu rice mill) were investigated systematically to ascertain their effect on human respiratory system. Dust particles were collected from six (6) processing spots (Paddy, Sack, swaying sieve, Polish, Sieving and Bran fill processing spot) in each of the rice mill in Otukpo LGA using Hand held Air Sampling Pump. A Cascade Impactor is used to determine the aerodynamic particle of the size distributions of the possible inhaled products. A lung performance test was carried out using Spirometer on 12 workers, with each worker chosen from the selected spot. From the analyzed results, there was a significant increase in values of dust measured in the two rice mills which was greater than permissible limit of 15 mg/m 3 except at the sack processing spot of Okete-Oglewu rice mill with lower dust concentration. The dust concentration at Ijami road rice mill ranges from 18.22- 34.88 mgm -3 in the order of: rice sack station< Bran Filling Station < Swaying Sieve Station < Polish station < Sieving station < Paddy station. The concentration at Okete-Oglewu rice mill ranges from 10.50-21.05 mgm -3 in the order of: rice sack station< Bran Filling Station < Swaying Sieve Station < Polish station < Sieving station < Paddy station. The results obtained are quite interesting and will serve as a guide for policy makers when enacting policies for human and environment safety.