Occupational air pollution

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Date
2007
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess occupational air pollution at ALAF Limited. It involved the analysis of selected gaseous pollutants (CO, SO2, NO, and NO2) and toxic metals (Zn, Pb, Al, and Fe). The gaseous samples were collected and analyzed directly by using combustion gas analyzer that was hired from TIRDO while toxic metals were collected on filter papers by using portable air sampler machine (MinVol Portable Air Sampler) that was again hired from TIRDO. The filter papers were taken to SEAMIC for the analysis of the concentration of the toxic metal. The findings showed that CO concentration ranging from 0.3mg/m to 481.7mg/m exceed the recommended exposure limit of NIOSH (35mg/m3) and OSHA (50mg/m3) and TBS (10mg/m3-based on emission sources). SO2 concentrations ranging from 2.1 mg/m3 to 83mg/m3 were also above the recommended exposure limits of NIOSH (2mg/m3), OSHA (5mg/m3) and TBS (0.5mg/m3-based on emission sources). The toxic metal concentrations; Zn, Pb, Al and Fe having average values of 162.41 mg/m3, 12.6mg/m3, 452.9mg/m3 and 484.6mg/m3 respectively also exceed the recommended exposure limits of NIOSH (Zn-lmg/m3, Pb-0.05mg/m3, Al-10mg/m3, Fe-5mg/m3) and OSHA (Zn-lmg/m3, Pb-0.05mg/m3 Al-15mg/m3, Fe-10mg/m3). Re-design of the exhaust pipes and chimney systems; use of gas masks as protective gears against air pollutants; conducting regular air pollution inventory and engaging an environmental expert for the company are among the recommendations of the study aimed at improving occupational environment at ALAF.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HD9718.5.A27E45)
Keywords
pollution, Occupational
Citation
Emmanuel, I (2007) Occupational air pollution, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.