Health impacts of garage workers : a preliminary study | |
| Author | Alwis, K. Udeni |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. EV-91-29 |
| Subject(s) | Pollution--Environmental aspects Environmental health |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | For this research study two garages situated in Bangkok metropolitan area, employing 47 and 12 workers each were studied. The wastewater characteristics, dust analysis, biological monitoring (blood, urine) and hair), noise monitoring and audiometry of workers were done to assess the occupational environment and it’s fimpact on the workers. The occupational hygiene survey was carried out to observe the working conditions of both garages. The wastewater of the General Work Section of Garage I contains, COD - 773 mg /1, Oil and Grease- 2010 mg /1, Cr--0. 28 mg /1 and Mn- 0.52 mg/l and in the Spray Painting Section, COD- 188 mg/l, Oil and Grease-340 mg/l, SD - 195.90 mg/l, Cr- 1.58 mg/l and Ni-1.60 mg/1, which exceed the industrial effluent standards. The wastewater from Garage II consists of COD-192 mg/J, Oil and Grease - 166 mg/1, and SS-930 mg/l which are above the standards. In both garages the wastewater discharge directly to the main sewer system without any prior treatment. The lead in air of Garage I is 0.20 mg/m3 which is same as the TLV for Lead in air for the working environment. The level of Lead in blood of four workers of each garage are above the exposed level. Protective equipments are not provided for the workers of any of the garages. Background noise and the audiometric test for workers were carried out. The background noise level of Garage I ranges from 76-99 dB(A) and Garage II from 70- 115 dB(A). According to the audiometric test 12 workers (total 22 workers tested) or Garage I and 8 workers (R workers tested) of Garage II are occupationally exposed to noise and they show the signs of noise induced hearing loss. According to the Otoscope test carried out, ears of 91% or Garage I and 94% of Garage JI are abnormal. Ears of 14% of workers of Garage I and 20% workers of Garage II are perforated. 5% of workers of Garage I have problem of pus coming from middle ear. 32% of workers of Garage I suffer from ringing ear and 27% of workers of the same garage complain about earache. The workers are not provided with ear protective equipments. According to the occupational survey carried out in both garages, 79% of workers of Garage I and 70% of workers or Garage II suffer from reel eye (eye pain, gritty feeling) 5% and 2% workers of Garage I and Garage II respectively have wheezing problem. 37% and 25% workers of Garage I and Garage II respectively, complain breathing difficulties. Control measures should be taken to minimize pollution clue to wastewater, dust and fumes, and noise which will reduce the health impacts and lead to better workforce. |
| Year | 1991 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Samorn Muttamara |
| Examination Committee(s) | Mino, Takashi ;Schroder, Hans |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The World Health Organization; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1991 |