HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT ON EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN WORK ENVIRONMENT AMONG FARMERS INVOLVED JASMINE’S AGRICULTURE

Abstract

          This survey study aimed to determine the potential health risk on exposure to occupational hazards and chemical exposure among workers in a jasmine’s agricultural area, Sila Sub-district, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Data were collected by an interview, observations and personal air samplings. Farmers almost used Methomyl and Carbendazim to control the pests in the jasmine field. Three types of work-related jasmine’s field were pesticide sprayers, jasmine collectors and garlands made farmers. The qualitative and quantitative health risk assessment on exposure to occupational hazards were performed by considering of working procedures and types of hazards. Risk characterization identified that farmers had the highest risk of pesticide exposure through skin contact, followed by inhalation exposure. Both jasmine collectors and farmers who made garlands had the highest risk of awkward postures and repetitive works, followed by pesticide exposure through skin contact and inhalation. The maximum concentration of Methomyl in the breathing zone of workers (n=24) was 1.12 mg/m3 (range 0-1.12 mg/m3), however, Carbendazim was not found. Comparison to the standard regulation on the ambient concentration of Methomyl, i.e. TLV-TWA of 2.5 mg/m3 (ACGIH and NIOSH), the results of this study did not exceed the regulation. The estimation of inhalation exposure to methomyl among workers was 0.08 mg/kg-day which is higher than an acceptable daily intake (0.025 mg/kg-day). The result of hazard quotient (HQ=3.24) indicated the potential health risk of jasmine farmers to the long term exposure to Methomyl. Therefore, farmers involved the jasmine agriculture should be aware of occupational hazards, particularly using the pesticide by better protection, continuous monitoring, and occupational health surveillance for safe working and living.