Presence of Quartz in Dust in Jewelry Workshops Around Islamabad and its Health Impacts on Lungs

Abstract

The study evaluated the presence of quartz and other potentially toxic elements in airborne dust in jewelry workshops of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, assessing the impacts on their respiratory health. The results of elemental composition of PM 10 showed that values of Cd, Si, Ni, and Ag exceeded the safe exposure limits. Similarly for PM 2.5 Cd, Pb, Ni, Ba, Si, and Ag levels exceeded the safe threshold exposure limits. SEM analysis showed that PM 10 particles were characterized as elongated, slender tubules or rods in the workshops A and B. Fe and Si predominated, followed by Ca, O, Al, and K. Workshop D predominantly exhibited Ca, along by peaks of O and Mg. Ceramics, abrasives, polishing agents, and casting utilized calcium. Si, C, and Ca had high peaks in other workshops, followed by O, Zn, Cu, Al, and K. SEM analysis of PM 2.5 revealed slender, rod-shaped structures. Si and Ca had high peaks followed by O, Al, and K. These aerosolized substances may form into rods. Al, K, and O support silicates. The survey results indicated aggravated respiratory problems among employees in all five workshops, adversely affecting their respiratory health and overall well-being. The survey found that 65% of workers experienced frequent respiratory issues. These include cough (65%), phlegm (50%), shortness of breath (67%), and wheezing (55%). The average worker age was 33.63±8.68. The mean BMI of workers was 25.26 ± 10.38 considered as overweight. The risk assessment revealed that The EDI of PM 10 elements were ranked in decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Fe > Si > Ba > Mn > Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr. Zn, Cu, and Fe had the highest EDI (mg/kg) values in five PM 10 workshops. Workshop C, D, and E, had the most Zn. A, B, and D had high Fe and Cu intakes. PM 2.5 elemental EDI was given by the order: Zn > Cr > Ba > Fe > Si > Pb > Cd > Mn > Cu > Ni. Zn had the highest intake in all workshops. The HQ of 6 elements Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ba exceeded the safe range (HQ > 1) in the workshops. The HQ of Cd, Pb, was above 1 in only one of the workshops (A and E). The EC for PM10 was in order: Si > Ni > Cd > Pb > Cr and for PM 2.5: Si > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr. Other elements had EC order of: Mg > Fe > Sr > Ba > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ag. The (EC) values were higher for Fe, Mg, Sr, Ni, and Si among all the elements. LTCR indicated that Si surpassed the safe limit in workshops A, B, and D (PM10). For PM 2.5 Si LTCR exceeded in workshop D and E. LTCR of Cr also exceeded in workshop E (PM 2.5). A severe reduction in lung function was indicated as the metrics FVC, FEV1, and PEF decrease markedly, with a p-value below 0.001. Nonsmokers had higher FEV1. Smokers had lower PEF (3.05 ± 1.576) than nonsmokers. Smoking workers had a poorer FEV1/FVC ratio (0.84 ±0.169). Due to routine respiratory risks, workers' FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio were decreased. Notable negative relationships (p < 0.001) exist between FVC, FEV1 and PEF, and numerous elements in PM. For PM 10 elements such as Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sr, and Si had shown strong negative relationships (-0.77 to -0.91). In PM 2.5 Zn, Si, Pb, Mn, Sr, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Fe had shown strong negative associations (-072 to -0.85) with the lung functioning parameters FVC, FEV1, and PEF. This supported the view that exposure to PM containing high concentrations of these elements can damage lung capacity. Regular monitoring of PM at the workshops should be done to prioritize workers safety. Workshops A, B, D, and E with high occupational exposure need high-efficiency respirators. Workers must receive frequent PPE training to reduce particle inhalation.