Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract The link between agricultural activities and respiratory disease puts farmers at risk of exposure to particulate matter, potentially reducing lung function. Thus, this comparative cross-sectional work employed a spirometric index and perception studies by conducting interviews and on-the-sp...

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Main Authors: Funmilola Felicia Oyebanji, Godson Rowland E. E. Ana, Yahaya Mijinyawa, Olusola Olabisi Ogunseye
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2021-02-01
Series:Aerosol and Air Quality Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.200509
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author Funmilola Felicia Oyebanji
Godson Rowland E. E. Ana
Yahaya Mijinyawa
Olusola Olabisi Ogunseye
author_facet Funmilola Felicia Oyebanji
Godson Rowland E. E. Ana
Yahaya Mijinyawa
Olusola Olabisi Ogunseye
author_sort Funmilola Felicia Oyebanji
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The link between agricultural activities and respiratory disease puts farmers at risk of exposure to particulate matter, potentially reducing lung function. Thus, this comparative cross-sectional work employed a spirometric index and perception studies by conducting interviews and on-the-spot lung function tests on 195 farmers living in seven farm settlements of Ogun State and 195 non-farmers living in other areas to assess the ambient levels of the suspended particulate matter and estimate the dust exposure among the first group. The collected data were evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics and indicated that the majority of the farmers (51.8%) applied manure, fertilizer and chemical sprays without using personal protective equipment (PPE), although a large percentage of both the farmers (74.9%) and the non-farmers (82.1%) understood that poor air quality could cause respiratory disease. The highest concentrations of the total suspended particles (TSP; 29.89 ± 23.52 µg m−3) and PM10 (18.45 ± 16.97 µg m−3) were observed during the wet season, whereas that of the PM2.5 (18.45 ± 11.72 µg m−3) was observed during the dry season. Additionally, the mean concentrations of the PM10 and PM2.5 exhibited significant seasonal variation (p < 0.001). The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) also varied considerably between the farmers (1.16 ± 0.87 and 244.32 ± 117.96, respectively) and non-farmers (2.47 ± 0.87 and 271.29 ± 104.09, respectively). Our results showed that the farmers engaged in poor safety practices and possessed reduced lung function compared to non-farmers. Hence, we advise farmers to adopt the use of PPE and follow safety measures. Furthermore, routine assessment of particulate matter and lung function should be encouraged in farm settlements.
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spelling doaj-art-20e4f3f99f404c078802ef844e98eda32025-02-09T12:20:18ZengSpringerAerosol and Air Quality Research1680-85842071-14092021-02-0121711510.4209/aaqr.200509Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, NigeriaFunmilola Felicia Oyebanji0Godson Rowland E. E. Ana1Yahaya Mijinyawa2Olusola Olabisi Ogunseye3Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of AgricultureEnvironmental Health Sciences, University of IbadanAgricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of IbadanEnvironmental Health Sciences, University of IbadanAbstract The link between agricultural activities and respiratory disease puts farmers at risk of exposure to particulate matter, potentially reducing lung function. Thus, this comparative cross-sectional work employed a spirometric index and perception studies by conducting interviews and on-the-spot lung function tests on 195 farmers living in seven farm settlements of Ogun State and 195 non-farmers living in other areas to assess the ambient levels of the suspended particulate matter and estimate the dust exposure among the first group. The collected data were evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics and indicated that the majority of the farmers (51.8%) applied manure, fertilizer and chemical sprays without using personal protective equipment (PPE), although a large percentage of both the farmers (74.9%) and the non-farmers (82.1%) understood that poor air quality could cause respiratory disease. The highest concentrations of the total suspended particles (TSP; 29.89 ± 23.52 µg m−3) and PM10 (18.45 ± 16.97 µg m−3) were observed during the wet season, whereas that of the PM2.5 (18.45 ± 11.72 µg m−3) was observed during the dry season. Additionally, the mean concentrations of the PM10 and PM2.5 exhibited significant seasonal variation (p < 0.001). The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) also varied considerably between the farmers (1.16 ± 0.87 and 244.32 ± 117.96, respectively) and non-farmers (2.47 ± 0.87 and 271.29 ± 104.09, respectively). Our results showed that the farmers engaged in poor safety practices and possessed reduced lung function compared to non-farmers. Hence, we advise farmers to adopt the use of PPE and follow safety measures. Furthermore, routine assessment of particulate matter and lung function should be encouraged in farm settlements.https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.200509FarmingParticulate matterLung functionOccupational healthSafety practices
spellingShingle Funmilola Felicia Oyebanji
Godson Rowland E. E. Ana
Yahaya Mijinyawa
Olusola Olabisi Ogunseye
Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria
Aerosol and Air Quality Research
Farming
Particulate matter
Lung function
Occupational health
Safety practices
title Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria
title_full Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria
title_fullStr Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria
title_full_unstemmed Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria
title_short Predicting Exposure to Dust Particles Using Spirometric Index and Perception Studies among Farmers in Selected Farm Settlements in Ogun State, Nigeria
title_sort predicting exposure to dust particles using spirometric index and perception studies among farmers in selected farm settlements in ogun state nigeria
topic Farming
Particulate matter
Lung function
Occupational health
Safety practices
url https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.200509
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