Airborne Particulate Matter Density in Traditional Bakeries of Saveh, Central of Iran, in 2020

Background: High concentration of inhalable airborne particles can increase the risk oflung disease in exposed people. This study aimed to determine the respirable particulatematter (PM5) concentration in traditional bakeries of Saveh in 2020.Material and Methods:This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 25bakeries where the samples were collected by cyclone and teflon filter equipped by airsampling pump. Later, the respirable particulate matter concentrationwas measured usinggravimetric method. The collected PM5was scanned using a FTIR (Fourier-transforminfrared spectroscopy) withregard to flour dust. In addition, size and shape of the collectedPM5were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).Results:Findings showed that the Lavash bakery had the highest PM5concentration (9.15mg/m3) in comparison with two other bakeries (Sangak and Barbari). However, aninverse relationship was observed between RH and particle concentration. In addition, theresults demonstrated that increasing RH decreased the particle concentration, but therelationship was not significant (P = 0.052, Spearman's rho = -0.393). Furthermore,Lavash bakery had the lowest average size of PM5(0.63±0.32 μm). However, the FTIRscans confirmed that the flour dust had the predominant amount of PM5.Conclusion:Based on the findings, the density of respirable PM5has a high level in Savehbakeries and workers are exposed to high levels of PM.

کلیدواژه ها:

Respirable Particulate Matter ، Bakery ، Indoor Air ، Saveh City