Investigating the Concentration of Suspended Particles (PM2.5, PM10) and Assessing the Risk of Silica Dust around the Tile and Ceramic Factory

Industrial air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems, and various industries are essential sources of air pollutants. This study aims to investigate the concentration of suspended particles (PM2.5, PM10) and assess the risk of silica dust around the tile and ceramics factory.

This study was conducted around a tile factory, where 48 environmental samples were collected. The NIOSH method 7601 was used to collect these samples with SKC individual sampling pumps. They were taken at a distance of 1.5 meters from the ground, using a TES-5200 Particle Mass Counter from Taiwan. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory by a DR6000UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method was employed to evaluate the health or non-carcinogenic risk. The risk of death due to lung cancer was assessed using the linear regression method of Rice et al.

This study found that the highest average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and silica were 0.013, 0.206, and 0.285 mg/m3, respectively. The hazard quotient was calculated to be below one at all environmental stations, indicating a low risk. The study estimated 0.69 deaths per thousand people due to lung cancer.

At some of the environmental stations in the factory area, the level of suspended particles and silica exceeds the permitted limit. To stay safe, it is advised for everyone to take personal precautions when in or around the factory.