OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS OF AIR POLLUTION ON WORKERS OF ASHAKA CEMENT FACTORY AND ITS ENVIRONS IN GOMBE, NIGERIA
This paper sought to analyze the concentration levels of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) selected because of their effects on the health and productivity of Ashaka Cement Factory workers. A portable Cowncon Tetra 3 gas analyzer was used in monitoring the concentrations of these pollutant gases in eight selected areas of Ashaka Cement Factory for five days per week from morning, afternoon and evening hours from July to October of 2018. Available outcomes showed that in Ashaka Gari alone, the average concentration of SO2 per day was 35.77 ppm; CO was 0.127 ppm and NO2 was 0.053 ppm. These values were far above the international body requirements when compared to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (2012).; hence there were reported cases of cancer, asphyxia/stroke, heart related diseases, skin rashes, irritating eyes among the workers of Ashaka Cement Factory. This calls for adoption of measures to reduce these pollutants in order to protect workers against occupational hazards and reduced productivity. Keywords: Ashaka cement, gaseous pollutants, Crowncon, health hazards, workers
Authors : B. R. Burmamu, O. R. Abara, A. H. Hong, and M. K. Kadala
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 5(1) Date Uploaded : 22nd July 2019