Airborne Particulate Matter in a Ready-mix Concrete Plant and Assessment of a New Air Curtain Technology for Protecting Workers From Dust Exposures

Atin Adhikari; Victoria A. Clower; Jenny Landers; Matthew G Adharsingh; Dalton Smith; Saman Hedjazi; Aniruddha Mitra

Airborne Particulate Matter in a Ready-mix Concrete Plant and Assessment of a New Air Curtain Technology for Protecting Workers From Dust Exposures

Atin Adhikari, Victoria A. Clower, Jenny Landers, Matthew G Adharsingh, Dalton Smith, Saman Hedjazi, Aniruddha Mitra

Georgia Southern University

Research output: Contribution to conference › Presentation

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Ready-mix concrete (RMC) workers are at increased risk of respiratory diseases. Little is known about RMC workers’ exposure to particulate matter (PM) and adequate respiratory protection. The study objectives were to investigate PM exposure levels in a large RMC plant and to assess workplace protection factors (WPF) against PM of different sizes with a new patented air curtain technology. This technology was considered because during hot working conditions the cooling air curtain can prevent heat fatigue providing double benefits for worker safety.

Methods
Concentrations of airborne PM of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10µm sizes near workers' (n=10) breathing zone were determined (10x6=60 measurements) during the active work hours by using a 23V750 particle counter. Same PM concentrations were simultaneously measured inside the air curtain (90 CFM) mounted in a helmet for these workers when they were wearing this helmet using a second particle counter. The WPFs were calculated, and a questionnaire survey determined workers' perceptions of the user friendliness of the helmet immediately after the tests.

Results
The concentrations of 0.3, 2.5, and 10µm particles, which are often regulated in workplaces, were 103,085±81,409/m(3), 624±512/m(3), and 54±66/m(3), respectively. Corresponding WPF>1 was observed in 32, 29, and 27 measurements, and the highest WPF observed was 3.29 for 10µm particle. ≥60% ‘strongly agree’ responses from workers were obtained for ‘easy to put on’, ‘not difficult to communicate’, ‘no breathing resistance’, ‘no excess noise, vibration, pressure, or tightness’ related questions.

Conclusions
Submicron 0.3µm particle concentrations reached up to 10(7)/m(3), whereas PM2.5 and PM10 reached up to 10(3)/m(3) and 10(2)/m(3). Mixed results on WPFs were observed for the air curtain technology, possibly due to windy conditions and lower openings in the curtain. In general, workers agreed that the air curtain technology is user-friendly during the work at RMC plant.

Original language	American English
State	Published - Nov 8 2022
Event	American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference - Duration: Nov 14 2023 → …

Conference

Conference	American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference
Period	11/14/23 → …

Disciplines

Biostatistics
Environmental Public Health
Epidemiology

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

https://apha.confex.com/apha/2022/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/518410

Cite this

Adhikari, A., Clower, V. A., Landers, J., Adharsingh, M. G., Smith, D., Hedjazi, S., & Mitra, A. (2022). Airborne Particulate Matter in a Ready-mix Concrete Plant and Assessment of a New Air Curtain Technology for Protecting Workers From Dust Exposures. American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference. https://apha.confex.com/apha/2022/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/518410

@conference{62b9ffab73c64abb84306e72e85dd784,

title = "Airborne Particulate Matter in a Ready-mix Concrete Plant and Assessment of a New Air Curtain Technology for Protecting Workers From Dust Exposures",

abstract = " Background and Objectives Ready-mix concrete (RMC) workers are at increased risk of respiratory diseases. Little is known about RMC workers{\textquoteright} exposure to particulate matter (PM) and adequate respiratory protection. The study objectives were to investigate PM exposure levels in a large RMC plant and to assess workplace protection factors (WPF) against PM of different sizes with a new patented air curtain technology. This technology was considered because during hot working conditions the cooling air curtain can prevent heat fatigue providing double benefits for worker safety. Methods Concentrations of airborne PM of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10µm sizes near workers' (n=10) breathing zone were determined (10x6=60 measurements) during the active work hours by using a 23V750 particle counter. Same PM concentrations were simultaneously measured inside the air curtain (90 CFM) mounted in a helmet for these workers when they were wearing this helmet using a second particle counter. The WPFs were calculated, and a questionnaire survey determined workers' perceptions of the user friendliness of the helmet immediately after the tests. Results The concentrations of 0.3, 2.5, and 10µm particles, which are often regulated in workplaces, were 103,085±81,409/m(3), 624±512/m(3), and 54±66/m(3), respectively. Corresponding WPF>1 was observed in 32, 29, and 27 measurements, and the highest WPF observed was 3.29 for 10µm particle. ≥60% {\textquoteleft}strongly agree{\textquoteright} responses from workers were obtained for {\textquoteleft}easy to put on{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}not difficult to communicate{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}no breathing resistance{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}no excess noise, vibration, pressure, or tightness{\textquoteright} related questions. Conclusions Submicron 0.3µm particle concentrations reached up to 10(7)/m(3), whereas PM2.5 and PM10 reached up to 10(3)/m(3) and 10(2)/m(3). Mixed results on WPFs were observed for the air curtain technology, possibly due to windy conditions and lower openings in the curtain. In general, workers agreed that the air curtain technology is user-friendly during the work at RMC plant.",

author = "Atin Adhikari and Clower, {Victoria A.} and Jenny Landers and Adharsingh, {Matthew G} and Dalton Smith and Saman Hedjazi and Aniruddha Mitra",

year = "2022",

month = nov,

day = "8",

language = "American English",

note = "American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference ; Conference date: 14-11-2023",

}

Adhikari, A, Clower, VA, Landers, J, Adharsingh, MG, Smith, D, Hedjazi, S & Mitra, A 2022, 'Airborne Particulate Matter in a Ready-mix Concrete Plant and Assessment of a New Air Curtain Technology for Protecting Workers From Dust Exposures', American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference, 11/14/23. <https://apha.confex.com/apha/2022/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/518410>

TY - CONF

T1 - Airborne Particulate Matter in a Ready-mix Concrete Plant and Assessment of a New Air Curtain Technology for Protecting Workers From Dust Exposures

AU - Adhikari, Atin

AU - Clower, Victoria A.

AU - Landers, Jenny

AU - Adharsingh, Matthew G

AU - Smith, Dalton

AU - Hedjazi, Saman

AU - Mitra, Aniruddha

PY - 2022/11/8

Y1 - 2022/11/8

N2 - Background and Objectives Ready-mix concrete (RMC) workers are at increased risk of respiratory diseases. Little is known about RMC workers’ exposure to particulate matter (PM) and adequate respiratory protection. The study objectives were to investigate PM exposure levels in a large RMC plant and to assess workplace protection factors (WPF) against PM of different sizes with a new patented air curtain technology. This technology was considered because during hot working conditions the cooling air curtain can prevent heat fatigue providing double benefits for worker safety. Methods Concentrations of airborne PM of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10µm sizes near workers' (n=10) breathing zone were determined (10x6=60 measurements) during the active work hours by using a 23V750 particle counter. Same PM concentrations were simultaneously measured inside the air curtain (90 CFM) mounted in a helmet for these workers when they were wearing this helmet using a second particle counter. The WPFs were calculated, and a questionnaire survey determined workers' perceptions of the user friendliness of the helmet immediately after the tests. Results The concentrations of 0.3, 2.5, and 10µm particles, which are often regulated in workplaces, were 103,085±81,409/m(3), 624±512/m(3), and 54±66/m(3), respectively. Corresponding WPF>1 was observed in 32, 29, and 27 measurements, and the highest WPF observed was 3.29 for 10µm particle. ≥60% ‘strongly agree’ responses from workers were obtained for ‘easy to put on’, ‘not difficult to communicate’, ‘no breathing resistance’, ‘no excess noise, vibration, pressure, or tightness’ related questions. Conclusions Submicron 0.3µm particle concentrations reached up to 10(7)/m(3), whereas PM2.5 and PM10 reached up to 10(3)/m(3) and 10(2)/m(3). Mixed results on WPFs were observed for the air curtain technology, possibly due to windy conditions and lower openings in the curtain. In general, workers agreed that the air curtain technology is user-friendly during the work at RMC plant.

AB - Background and Objectives Ready-mix concrete (RMC) workers are at increased risk of respiratory diseases. Little is known about RMC workers’ exposure to particulate matter (PM) and adequate respiratory protection. The study objectives were to investigate PM exposure levels in a large RMC plant and to assess workplace protection factors (WPF) against PM of different sizes with a new patented air curtain technology. This technology was considered because during hot working conditions the cooling air curtain can prevent heat fatigue providing double benefits for worker safety. Methods Concentrations of airborne PM of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10µm sizes near workers' (n=10) breathing zone were determined (10x6=60 measurements) during the active work hours by using a 23V750 particle counter. Same PM concentrations were simultaneously measured inside the air curtain (90 CFM) mounted in a helmet for these workers when they were wearing this helmet using a second particle counter. The WPFs were calculated, and a questionnaire survey determined workers' perceptions of the user friendliness of the helmet immediately after the tests. Results The concentrations of 0.3, 2.5, and 10µm particles, which are often regulated in workplaces, were 103,085±81,409/m(3), 624±512/m(3), and 54±66/m(3), respectively. Corresponding WPF>1 was observed in 32, 29, and 27 measurements, and the highest WPF observed was 3.29 for 10µm particle. ≥60% ‘strongly agree’ responses from workers were obtained for ‘easy to put on’, ‘not difficult to communicate’, ‘no breathing resistance’, ‘no excess noise, vibration, pressure, or tightness’ related questions. Conclusions Submicron 0.3µm particle concentrations reached up to 10(7)/m(3), whereas PM2.5 and PM10 reached up to 10(3)/m(3) and 10(2)/m(3). Mixed results on WPFs were observed for the air curtain technology, possibly due to windy conditions and lower openings in the curtain. In general, workers agreed that the air curtain technology is user-friendly during the work at RMC plant.

UR - https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/bee-facpres/302

UR - https://apha.confex.com/apha/2022/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/518410

M3 - Presentation

T2 - American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference

Y2 - 14 November 2023

ER -

Airborne Particulate Matter in a Ready-mix Concrete Plant and Assessment of a New Air Curtain Technology for Protecting Workers From Dust Exposures

Abstract

Conference

Disciplines

UN SDGs

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Cite this