Exposure Level to Respirable Dust and Associated Health Concerns among Workers in Apparel Processing Companies in EPZ, Machakos County Kenya

Abstract

Apparel manufacturing is a key economic activity that employ large numbers of workers. In Kenya, the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Athi River Machakos County, Kenya produces large amounts of garments and employ thousands of workers. The production processes expose workers to wide range of substances with potential deleterious effect on the health of the workers. This study aimed to determine the exposure level to respirable dust and associated health concerns in workers in apparel processing companies in EPZ, Machakos County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to; determine the level of awareness in workers regarding respirable dust hazard levels in apparel processing companies in EPZ, the zone employ a total of 21,752 workers. Further, the study aimed to determine the respirable dust levels and the dust risk exposure health concerns. cross-sectional descriptive study design was used in the study. Four (4) apparel processing factories registered by the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety (DOSHS) were conveniently selected. The four companies employing approximately 7800 employees were considered as the study population, and a sample size of 367 participants was studied adopting the Krejcie and Morgan Formula. Concentrations of PM2.5 were measured using a portable real-time PM detector, Turnkey Osiris Airborne Particulate Monitor, model TNO4400 with an accuracy of 0.1µgm-3. Measurements were done at 2 meters above ground for a period of 8 hours, four measurements were taken from each site. six departments were studied in each factory. Qualitative data was collected through a set of questionnaires, observation, and interviews. The mean levels of PM2.5 was 65.61 ± 31.5 µgm-3 with a range of 59.08 - 72.14 µgm-3, whereas the average PM10 levels were 104.02 ± 26.01 µgm-3 with a range of 90.16-117.87µgm-3. 100% of all measured concentrations were above the WHO AQG levels (2021). The workers reported that they frequently experienced respiratory illnesses including chest pains, pain in the lungs, asthma, allergy, sneezing andcoughing. The study revealed that employees who worked in the factory for 4-6years were 0.193 [95%CI = 0.043– 0.871, p = 0.032] times likely to be aware of respirable dust exposure and associated health concerns compared to employees worked in the factory for 0-2 years. Female employees were 1.59 [95%CI = 1.03 – 2.45, p = 0.034] times more likely to have multiple respiratory health concerns compared to their male counterparts. Further, employees with blocked chests were 2.25 [95%CI = 1.44 – 3.52, p < 0.001] times more likely to have high exposure levels to respirable dust and associated health concerns compared to workers who did not have blocked chests. The hazard quotient (HQ) for PM2.5 was 4.37, while PM10 HQ was 2.31. Developing Mechanisms for reducing employees' dust exposure is fundamental in APCs. Engineering controls and administrative controls including training, and supervision should be an effective strategy to adopt in the industry. All practicable measures should be taken to protect the persons employed against exposure to the respirable dust and to prevent its accumulation in any workroom. Workers should be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), and PPE use enforced. The study is beneficial as it helps policy makers to improve on industrial hygiene in apparel processing and other manufacturing sectors.