Study of Suspended Air Particles and Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 in One of the Textile Industries

Background & objectives: Work-related illnesses account for a large number of social problems. According to occupational therapists, occupational diseases are considered as life-threatening factors for workers. The aim of this study was to measure air pollution to suspended particles and to assess the health risk of PM2.5 and PM10 exposure in the textile industry. Methods: This analytical-cross-sectional research was carried out in the spinning, knitting, and printing workshops of a textile factory. Samples were taken by using the Particle Mass Counter Model TES 5200 to measure mass density and number of environmental particles. Health Risk Assessment of skin, digestive and inhalation exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was carried out according to EPA proposed method. Results: The results showed that the highest particle mass density was measured in the Spinning-Weaving hall and the highest number density was detected in the Stanter-Printed hall. In both halls, the average mass density of total particles was determined lower than the occupational exposure limit of total suspended particles. In addition, the results detected that with increasing the dust diameter, the mass density of particles increased and subsequently their number density decreased. The risk index for non-cancer risk exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was less than 1 and the cancer risk was less than 10-6. Conclusion:  Although, the cancerous and non-cancerous exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 were considered acceptable in the production line halls, but these particles may have adverse health effects on the employees, due to their chemical nature.