Airborne PM2.5 and PM10 exposure levels in cotton farms during harvesting activities

Atin Adhikari, Amber Longoria, David Mcferrin, Deonte Martin, James Dotherow

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

Abstract

Background and objectives: Cotton farming is one of the most important factors in Georgia’s agricultural economy. The state ranked second in cotton production in the US planting >1.4 million acres. Crop harvest and tilling are the two largest anthropogenic contributors to agricultural dust and particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5, PM10), which can be attributed to asthma and other respiratory diseases among cotton farmers. The first study objective was collecting pilot data on PM2.5 and PM10 exposure at nine locations in three cotton farms during cotton harvesting. The second objective was estimation of respiratory deposition doses of PM2.5 and PM10 among male, female, and children workers. Methods: Airborne particles, including PM2.5 and PM10 were monitored using a 6-channel (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 μm) particle counter with graphical interface storing up to 5000 sample records. Mass concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were determined in each locations by using a DustTrak™ II Aerosol Monitor, which is a light-scattering laser photometer that gives real-time aerosol mass readings. The respiratory deposition doses were calculated using the LUDEP ICRP computer based model. Atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were measured as well. Results: Average number concentrations of particles corresponding to PM2.5 and PM10 sizes ranged mostly between 10(3)/m(3) to 10(5)/m(3). Average mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 ranged from 14 to 201 μg/m(3) and 22 to 384 μg/m(3). Alveolar deposition doses of PM2.5 were higher than PM10. Conclusions: Average PM2.5 and PM10 exposure levels sometimes exceeded EPA NAAQS standards during cotton harvesting activities.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - Nov 11 2018
Event2018 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo — "Creating the Healthiest Nation: Health Equity Now" - San Diego, California
Duration: Nov 11 2018 → …

Conference

Conference2018 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo — "Creating the Healthiest Nation: Health Equity Now"
Period11/11/18 → …

Keywords

  • Air Pollution & Respiratory Health
  • Occupational Health and Safety

DC Disciplines

  • Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
  • Public Health
  • Environmental Public Health

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