Particulate matter concentrations and health risks associated with cow hides singeing in Abattoirs in Benin City, Nigeria

Introduction: The singeing of animals is one of the major sources of human exposure to air pollutants in abattoirs especially in developing countries and it can cause various adverse health effects among the workers. This study assessed the concentrations of particulate matter in selected abattoirs and examined the associated health risks among the workers in Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Measurements of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) were performed in three areas in the abattoirs for three months, and the noncarcinogenic risks of exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were determined via Hazard-Quotients (HQs) and Hazard Indices (HIs). The occurrence and relationship between the reported risk factors and health effects among abattoir workers were also examined using the modified American Thoracic Standard (ATS) respiratory symptoms questionnaire. Results: The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in the hide roasting areas were significantly higher (p>0.05) than those at other sampling points across the abattoirs. The indoor and outdoor ratio (I/O) of the particulates was greater than 1.0 in almost all the abattoirs. The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were higher than the permissible air quality standards. The HQ values exceeded 1.0 in all the sampling areas, implying that exposure to particulate concentrations could result in adverse health effects in abattoirs. The chi-square test revealed significant associations between reported risk factors such as: age, work experience, duration of exposure, and use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and health effects (dry cough, eye irritation, asthma, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and chest pain) among abattoir workers. Conclusion: This study revealed that hide roasting at abattoirs results in poor air quality in the abattoir environment and contributes to adverse health effects among workers.