Air pollution exposure and non-communicable respiratory diseases among fish vendors in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets in Tanzania

Abstract

Approximately 2.6 billion people in the world use polluting fuels in cooking. Small-scale fish vendors in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets rely on use of firewood in frying fish for business purposes. Unfortunately, this results in higher levels of air pollutants as an occupational exposure. The study assessed the magnitude of air pollution and related impacts on lung function among small-scale fish vendors along coastal area of Tanzania. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets. Air pollution levels and composition were measured. EasyOne spirometer was used to test for lung function and a standardized questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms among small-scale fish vendors. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 17. Results shows that the average hourly concentration levels of Particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), and Carbon monoxide exposure during fish frying were 653.6 (±206.3 SD) µg/m3 , 748.5 (±200.6 SD) µg/m3 , 798.7 (±181.7 SD) µg/m3 and 62.6 (±12.3 SD) ppm respectively which is higher than the WHO recommended limits. About 32.04% of participants were categorized as having chronic obstructed pulmonary disease which was associated with coughing, wheezing, sputum production and breathlessness among the participants. Findings suggest that three out of ten participants had COPD and the major environmental air pollutants concentration levels were too high, suggesting occupational exposure to biomass smoke may be a major risk factor. This calls for effective approaches to reduce exposure and prevent known acute and chronic respiratory diseases that are associated with such exposure to air pollutants.