Air pollution exposure and non-communicable respiratory diseases among fish vendors in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets in Tanzania
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Date
2023-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
NM-AIST
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.
Sustainable Development Goals
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health Research of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology.
Keywords
Air pollution, Air pollution exposure, Non-communicable respiratory diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Fish vendors