Occupational monitoring and health risks assessment of respiratory exposure to dust in an industrial unit of production Khak-e-Chini

Introduction: The respiratory system, as one of the most important organs of the human body, is affected by adverse health effects and consequences of particulate matter. this study was performed to purpose determine the occupational exposure of workers to crystalline silica of inhalable dust and determine its health risks. Method: In this analytical cross-sectional study, sampling was performed in a industrial unit production Khak-e-Chini based on standard methods and individual and environmental sampling methods. Then the obtained data analyzed were in SPSS software version 22 .The risk assessment of Occupational exposure of workers to crystalline silica was carried out based on the proposed EPA model. Results: The average exposure of workers to inhalable dust and crystalline silica was measured 4.46 ±1.34 mg/m3 and 0.57±0.10 mg/m3, respectively. The mean environmental concentration of the inhalable particles was 6177.71 µg/m3 and the range of 4088.30- 8289.70 µg/m3. In all occupational groups the risk of cancer was obtained less than 10-6. HQ values ​​for operator one (5.34) and two (4.79) crusher machine, crusher machine loading operator (8.49), dryer operator (1.91), slurry operator (3.01) and filter press operator (1.78) was more than permissible limit. Conclusion: The average concentration of inhalable dust and crystalline silica was more than permissible limit in this industry. According to the results of the risk assessment, the priority of serious control actions is necessary to reduce the risk of non-cancerous complications in the crushing, drilling, slurry and filter press occupational groups.