Exposure of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) on lung function performance of construction workers

Abstract

Construction-related environmental pollution has been increasing due to the massive number of ongoing urban development. The growth of construction and its impacts on environmental and human health are critical. The aim of this study is to measure the concentration of PM2.5 emitted from construction activities such as masonry, plastering, and mixing of concrete and to assess the lung function performance of the exposed construction workers. The concentration of PM2.5 was measured using Dust Track II Aerosol Monitor. The sampling period is 8 hours per day for 6 days for each activity. Meanwhile, the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) test was conducted by using peak flow meter. A total of 80 exposed construction workers were selected to participate in the PEFR test. Each activity exhibited a different pattern for different level of PM2.5 concentration. Masonry activity recorded the highest mean concentration of PM 2.5 which was 79.98 µg/m3, followed by concrete mixing and plastering activity each recorded 78.42 µg/m3 and 72.57 µg/m3 respectively. Participants from plastering activity has the highest mean of PEFR which is 343.65 L/min. Masonry and mixing of concrete activity had a lower mean of PEFR which was 329.26 L/min and 298.62 L/min respectively. As conclusion, the findings provided significant knowledge about the concentration of PM2.5 from various activities and the need of safety precaution among workers.