Laksanee Boonkhao, Savittri Pinpan, Aorawanya Philabut Philabut, Supakan Kantow, Pongsak Rattanachaikunsopon

Assessment of PM10 Exposure Risk in Communities Downwind and Upwind of Stone Milling Plants in Northeastern Thailand

Introduction

Assessment of pm10 exposure risk in communities downwind and upwind of stone milling plants in northeastern thailand. Assess PM10 exposure risk in communities near stone milling plants in Northeastern Thailand. This study analyzes health risks from dust particles, finding acceptable hazard quotients but noting other exposure sources.

Abstract

PM10 particles can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream and lymphatic systems.However, there is a lack of information in Thailand regarding the release of dust fromstone mill units and the potential health risks it poses to the surrounding community. Theaim of this research is to assess the health risks associated with PM10 exposure for residents of communities surrounding stone milling plants in Northeastern Thailand. Thestudy included a total of 225 households located both downwind and upwind of the stonemilling plants. Data were gathered by the conduct of a questionnaire to the participants,as well as the collection of PM10 particulate matter in the specified area. The collectionof PM10 was conducted following the established NIOSH method number 0600. Thenon-carcinogenic attributes of PM10 were analyzed based on the guidelines provided bythe Environmental Protection Agency. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed onthe collected data to determine various parameters such as frequency, percentage, average,maximum, and minimum values. The mean concentration of PM10 in the downwindcommunity was 0.024796 mg/m3 (S.D. = 0.0551), while in the upwind community itwas 0.000232 mg/m3 (S.D. = 0.0002). The community exhibited Hazard Quotient (HQ)values that were considered acceptable, along with lower exposure levels. However, theresidents in the surrounding areas of the stone mill may be exposed to dust from a varietyof sources, including transportation, construction, and the burning of agricultural material. The current study’s findings are anticipated to provide important information to improve the understanding of PM10exposure in populations living near stone milling plants.

Review

This study addresses a highly pertinent public health and environmental issue: the assessment of PM10 exposure risks in communities adjacent to stone milling plants in Northeastern Thailand. The research aims to fill a recognized information gap concerning dust emissions from such industrial units and their potential health implications for surrounding residents. By investigating 225 households situated both downwind and upwind of these facilities, and employing established methods for PM10 collection (NIOSH method 0600) and non-carcinogenic risk analysis (EPA guidelines), the study demonstrates a robust approach to understanding localized air quality and its potential health impacts. The methodology appears well-structured, combining environmental monitoring with community-level data collection via questionnaires. A key strength of the study is the clear differentiation and comparison of PM10 concentrations between downwind and upwind communities, which effectively highlights the influence of stone milling operations. The results clearly indicate a substantially higher mean PM10 concentration in downwind areas (0.024796 mg/m3) compared to upwind (0.000232 mg/m3). While the abstract states that Hazard Quotient (HQ) values were "acceptable," the full paper would benefit from a more detailed discussion of these values and their interpretation, particularly in light of the acknowledged potential for exposure from multiple other sources such as transportation, construction, and agricultural burning. Overall, this research represents a valuable contribution to the understanding of occupational and environmental health risks in a specific industrial context within Thailand. The quantitative data on PM10 concentrations provides critical baseline information for a region where such data is scarce. While the conclusion regarding "acceptable" HQ values warrants a comprehensive discussion of its implications for long-term health, the study's findings are instrumental in raising awareness and providing foundational data. This information can serve as a crucial resource for local policymakers and public health initiatives aimed at mitigating exposure and safeguarding the health of communities living near stone milling plants.

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