Saf Health Work.  2024 Sep;15(3):360-367. 10.1016/j.shaw.2024.05.001.

Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Inhalable Aerosols in an Instant Powdered Food Manufacturing Plant in Norway

• Darbakk C
• Graff P
• Olsen R

• KMID: 2559874
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2024.05.001

Abstract

Background
In the food manufacturing industry, exposure to inhalable aerosols contributes to respiratory illnesses such as occupational asthma and rhinitis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive exposure assessment studies. This study evaluated occupational exposure to inhalable aerosols in an instant powdered food manufacturing plant during work operations involving dried food and powders.
Methods
In total, 50 workers from an instant powdered food manufacturing plant were recruited. Personal inhalable aerosol exposure measurements were taken for both full-shift and task-based activities. The concentrations of inhalable aerosols were analyzed to identify any variation within and across departments, as well as between seasons, handedness, and sex.
Results
In total, 134 personal air samples were collected, and the particulate mass was determined gravimetrically. The concentrations of inhalable aerosols ranged from 0.1 to 27 mg/m³ for full-shift exposure measurements and 3.1 to 73 mg/m³ for task-based measurements. Statistically significant differences in mean aerosol concentrations were found across departments (A:B p < 0.001, A:C p < 0.05, B:C p < 0.001) and between seasons (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study revealed high exposure to inhalable aerosols among workers, particularly those involved in manual weighing, mixing, and adding powders. The significant differences between departments highlight the specific activities contributing to increased inhalable aerosol concentrations. Seasonal variations were also evident, with autumn showing higher concentrations of inhalable aerosols in all departments compared with summer. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the distribution of aerosol concentrations across different work tasks and departments, particularly during different seasons.

Keyword

Food industry; Inhalable aerosols; Occupational exposure; Personal sampling; Powders