Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99444
Title: The health effects of dust exposure in a powder producing food manufacturing industry
Authors: Borg, Moana (2014)
Keywords: Dust -- Malta
Manufacturing industries -- Malta
Food industry and trade -- Malta
Occupational diseases -- Malta
Issue Date: 2014
Citation: Borg, M. (2014). The health effects of dust exposure in a powder producing food manufacturing industry (Diploma long essay).
Abstract: The objective of this research study was to investigate if any health effects due to dust exposure were present in a powder producing food manufacturing industry in Malta. This was achieved by using a quantitative methodological approach through questionnaires, spirometry as well as dust monitoring testing. The sample was chosen according to the years of service within the same company meaning those employees who had been in employment for five years and over. The analysis compromised two factories owned by the same company which produced similar products, one of them having been established ten years before the other. The analysis of data presented showed that while respiratory health effects and eye symptoms were not considered an issue amongst the population under study, nasal symptoms and skin symptoms were both attributing factors to dust exposure. Particularly, the two most powder products that proliferated the reported adverse health effects were baking powder and ginger. Comparisons between the two factories were carried out and a difference was reported. In fact some participants from the older factory experienced higher adverse health effects than those working at the new factory. Spirometry results concluded that even though the majority of the population produced a normal spirometry result, attention should be drawn to the other possible variables. Dust monitor results revealed that the airborne dust in certain locations were higher than other site, highlighting the fact certain ventilation systems were not functioning properly.
Description: DIP.SOC.STUD.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99444
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacArt - 2014
Dissertations - FacArtSoc - 2014

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