Exposure to total dust and respiratory health effects among commercial motorcyclists in Ubungo municipality, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Commercial motorcycles have emerged as a key feature of rural and urban transport services. It is among of occupation in which workers are at high exposure to ambient air pollutants such as road re-suspended dust and prolonged exposure to dust can result in respiratory problems. Aim of the study: The aim was to determine personal total dust exposure and respiratory health effects among commercial motorcyclist in Ubungo Municipality Materials and methods: The study was descriptive cross sectional study conducted from March to July 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to obtain sample of 200 commercial motorcyclists and 100 office attendants. A modified British medical research council questionnaire, EasyOne spirometer and personal sampling pump (SKC Sidekick pump) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science software. Results: commercial motorcyclist had exposed to geometric mean concentration 1.60 mg/m3 (SD=2.12) while office attendants had exposed to geometric mean concentration 0.071 mg/m3 (SD=1.26) for eight hours which was less than TLV according to the ACGIH. The prevalence of respiratory health symptoms were reported to be higher among commercial motorcyclists compared to office attendants for all symptoms and the differences were statistically significant at P-value <0.001, where morning cough (55.5% vs. 27%); cough last for three months yearly (26% vs 2%); phlegm (53.2% vs 15%), phlegm last for three months yearly (23% vs.0%) wheezing (29% vs 2%) and shortness of breath (47.7% vs. 16%).Prevalence of airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC<70) for commercial motorcyclists was 10% . Work duration was the most predictor of cough, cough last for three months, phlegm and shortness of breath among commercial motorcyclists. Conclusion and recommendation: Prevalence of the respiratory health symptoms was higher among commercial motorcyclists. Commercial motorcyclist should use appropriate PPEs (mouth/nose masks) in the course of their work.