Assessment of Personal exposure levels to bagasse dust and its respiratory outcomes among workers at Wonji Shoa Sugar Estate, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia; Comparative Cross-Sectional study
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Date
2025-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background:Sugar estate workers are exposed to high levels of sugarcane fiber (bagasse) dust that can reach
to respiratory bronchioles and alveolar wall, causing sensitization and lung damage. Despite high
levels of bagasse dust exposure, which can lead to chronic respiratory symptoms and lung
function impairment, little information is available regarding the levels to personal bagasse dust
and its impact on respiratory health, including on lung function.
Objective:This study intended to determine personal exposure levels to bagasse dust and the prevalence of
chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters among sugar estate workers.
Methods:An institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 sugar estate
workers and 191 non-exposed from water bottling. Fifty personal dust sampling was performed
with a 37 mm Millipore plastic cassette with a PVC filter attached to the worker's breathing zone.
Chronic Respiratory symptoms were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire and the lung
function was measured following established spirometry guidelines. Multivariable logistic
regression analysis with 95% CI and p < 0.05 was used to identify the factors and the measured
lung function indices were analyzed by Analysis of Covariance.
Results:About 85.7% of the workers were exposed to levels exceeding the recommended permissible
threshold value, with geometric mean exposure levels of bagasse dust 9.49 ± 4.01 mg/m³, for
total organic dust (5 mg/m³). The prevalence of at least one CRS (62.1%) was 2.43 times higher
among exposed workers compared to non-exposed (PR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.80–3.38). Significant
associations were observed between CRS and age ≥35 years, non-use of respiratory protective
devices, and weekly hours of working more than 48 with AOR (95% CI) of 4.851(1.123-20.952),
5.39(1.611-18.025) and 10.15(3.159-32.582), respectively. Among the exposed groups the lung
function indices; Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Volume Capacity
(FVC) were significantly reduced (p-value<0.05). All parameters (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC)
showed a negative correlation with cumulative dust exposure.
Conclusion and recommendation:The adjusted prevalence ratios of respiratory symptoms were higher in the exposed group than
non-exposed primarily due to bagasse dust exposure above the permissible exposure value of
5 mg/m³. Age over 35 years, non-use of respiratory protective devices, and weekly working
hours of more than 48 were the main determinants of CRS. Lung function indices, FVC and
FEV₁were lower in the exposed group than the non-exposed. These findings highlight the
urgent need for targeted dust control measures in the sugar agro-industry to protect workers
exposed to high levels of bagasse dust.
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Keywords
Bagasse dust, Chronic respiratory symptoms (CRS), Lung Function Parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC)