Saidi, Nur Diyanah
(2014)
Exposure to particulate matter (PM10)
in indoor air and lung function test
among dental laboratory
technologists and administration
workers in Kota Bharu.
Project Report.
Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan.
(Submitted)
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is the substance that could affect the air quality as well as the
health of surrounding people. This cross-sectional comparative study aimed to prove
there is a significant relationship between exposure to PM10) lung function capability
and respiratory symptoms among dental laboratory technologists and administration
workers using consecutive sampling method. Sixty subjects were recruited from one
private dental clinic, eight public dental clinic and one dental administration office in
Kota Bharu. Forty subjects were dental technologists and twenty subjects were
dental administration workers. Self-constructed questionnaire was used to gather
data on socio-demographic, work characteristics and respiratory symptoms among
subjects. Area and personal monitoring were conducted to measure PM10
concentrations. For personal PM10 exposure, TSI SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol
Monitor was attached to the worker for eight hours within breathing zone by clipping
flexible suction tubing on the lapel and the pump was worn on a belt. The median of
average exposure to PM10 recorded in dental technologists group is significantly
higher 0.09 (IQR 0.07-0.13) pg/m3 compared to the dental administration workers
group 0.02 (IQR 0.02) pg/m3 (p<0.05). COSMED Pony FX Desktop Spirometer was
used in lung function test (LFT) which performed three times for each subject and the
best result was selected. The LFT gave no significant difference between these two
groups. Presence of respiratory symptoms depend on the duration of exposure, age
and sensitivity of the exposed person. PM readings for both area and personal
monitoring exceeded the PEL. Only wheezing (p=0.038) and severe cough (p=0.005)
were significantly associated with average PM10 exposure. In conclusion, there was
no significant relationship between exposure to PM10 with LFT. The management
have to ensure the prevention and control measures are efficiently implemented and
give training to the exposed population.
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