Citation

Butt AI, Shaams SB, Ghauri M, Shahzad K, Jaffery MH. Life Sci. J. 2014; 11(8): 370-381.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Zhengzhou University, Publisher Marsland Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Photocopy machines are a source of indoor air pollution. This study, conducted at Gulberg, Walton, D.H.A, Shadman, R.A.Bazar, Barket Market, Firdous Market, and Nabah road in Lahore aimed at assessing the occupational hazards to which photocopy machine operators are exposed. The study was conducted in hot and cold season for monitoring at 36 sites among 126 photocopy operators by socioeconomic survey. Very few operators (12%) used protective measures. 47% of the operators had visual discomfort from machine's light while only 27% got disturbed from the noise of the machine. Noise level at majority of the photocopy shops were within the Standard limits (70dBA). PM10 concentration at majority of the shops exceeded the 250 μg/m3 ambient air quality standard. Statistical analysis of the Air pollutants (VOC, PM10, O3, CO, SOX) showed a high statistical significance as the p value was < 0.005. Dry mouth was most common health issue among the photocopy operators and was most frequent in age group 35 to 40 while fatigue and headache were the most common health outcomes affecting all age groups almost in the same frequency. Ergonomic issue comparison showed that neck pain and swelling of feet was most frequent in age group 35 - 40 and 41 - 46. Back pain was most common ergonomic problem affecting all the age groups. A strong positive correlation exists between PM10, Ozone, Carbon monoxide, SOx emitted from the photocopy machine. Emission levels of PM10, VOC, Ozone, CO, SOx were significantly high for Winter when compared with that of Summer season.

Language: en