Abstract
Background: Diesel particulate matter (DPM) remains a global vehicular exhaust emissions (VEE) pollution concern with a specific focus on ports of entry. Little is known about the exposure possibilities and levels of border gate workers to DPM in developing countries such as South Africa compared to developed countries like America. This study took place in Lebombo Port of Entry (POE), the second biggest and busiest land border post after Beit-Bridge POE, situated in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa between the end of the South African national road (N4) and the beginning of the Mozambican national road (EN4). Cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary diseases are major chronic related diseases to long-term exposure to VEE.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the exposure of workers, particularly vehicle inspectors to vehicular exhaust emissions at Lebombo Port of Entry, in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study with a sample size of 262 adult participants was conducted at Lebombo POE, Mpumalanga Province. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on officials’ level of knowledge about VEE exposures. Participants were also requested to wear air sampling equipment (personal air sampling pumps) to collect air samples at their breathing zone as per the NIOSH 5040 method. A One-way ANOVA was used to determine the means and standard deviations of DPM concentrations around the port for both day and night shifts. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between dependent variables and some socio-demographic factors. Data analysis was performed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27).
Results: Participants aged 49 – 53 years did not work under South African Police Services (OR) = 0.31% CI (0.11 – 0.88). Certificates and Diploma educational qualifications were attributed to working under SAPS than working in Agriculture (OR) = 2.83% CI (1.41 – 5.65) and (OR) = 4.58% CI (2.10 – 9.99) respectively. Being a divorced male was associated with a high level of knowledge and awareness of VEE and its health effects (AOR) = 5.31% CI (1.08 – 26.14). Being male was linked to knowing VEE with carcinogenic effects (AOR) = 3.28% CI (1.11 – 9.67). Having a Diploma and irritation of the nose and eyes were associated with lower knowledge and awareness of VEE and their health effects (AOR) = 0.42% CI (0.19 – 0.97) and (AOR) = 0.31% CI (0.13 – 0.76) respectively. The concentration of DPM was higher during day shifts compared to night shifts (p-value = 0.001).
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Conclusions: The knowledge and awareness of workers about exposure to vehicular exhaust emissions and their health effects were found to be relatively low. The use of available PPE for prevention against exposure to DPM was poor and or non-effective due to a lack of strict implementation measures and proper timeous monitoring. DPM emissions were higher during the day compared to during the night around the port. Measures to reduce workers’ exposure to vehicular exhaust emissions are necessary to be improved and effectively implemented.
KEYWORDS: Lebombo Port of Entry; Mpumalanga Province; South Africa; Diesel Particulate Matter; vehicular exhaust emissions; Personal Protective Equipment.