Impact of indoor air pollutant concentration levels on the health of press operators of printing facilities in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Long-term exposure to air pollutants in printing facilities is detrimental to the health, well-being, and productivity of press users. This study investigated the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in 22 printing facilities in Zaria, Nigeria, as well as their interactions with press operators' perceptions of feeling Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms. The study employed quantitative methods. The concentrations of indoor air pollutants (CO₂, CO, TVOC, HCHO, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀) were monitored with air quality multifunction devices in the different printing facilities. Questionnaires were also administered to assess press operators’ health and perceptions of feeling SBS symptoms in the printing facility. The results showed that indoor air pollutant concentrations vary in the different printing facilities, with pollutant concentration values in the range of 0.323–9.999 mg/m3, 0.030–0.078 mg/m3, 21.33–426.67 μg/m³, and 28.0–568 μg/m³ for TVOCs, HCHO, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, respectively and same exceeding the NESREA standard values. Findings also show that press operators rarely felt 14 SBS symptoms in the printing facility. The questionnaire results suggest that health-related problems experienced by press operators may worsen if operators continue to have long-term exposure to these pollutants. From this study, press operators need to be cautious of the adverse health impacts associated with long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants. Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring equipment and indoor air pollutant capture systems should be installed in all printing environments to minimize the adverse impacts of indoor air pollutant concentrations. The findings of this study advance the knowledge of the health impacts of prolonged indoor air pollutant exposure in printing facilities and the connections between elevated concentrations and adverse effects on press operators. Implications include the need for enhanced occupational health practices, regulatory compliance, awareness training, and infrastructure investment to safeguard press workers' well-being and productivity in printing facilities.