RISK ASSESSMENT OF RICE HUSK DUST AMONG RICE MILL WORKERS.

This study was carried out to evaluate risk level of total rice husk dust among rice mill workers. Gravimetric method recommended by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health was used to determine the rice husk dust concentrations in the workers' breathing zone and the risk level of dust was evaluated using a semi quantitative method. Mean workers exposure to rice husk dust was 5.1±9.6 mg m^-3 and the risk of workers exposure to dust was in medium level. 14 of 40 workers have exposure higher than Threshold Limit Value and Occupational Exposure Limit recommended for grain dust. Mean husk rice dust concentrations within the workers' breathing zone among workers in drier worksites in the semi-mechanized operating rice mills was considerably higher than those working in storage and feeding worksites. We found that the risk of the rice husk dust among all rice mill workers was in medium level. Therefore, it is necessary to control workers exposure to dust using engineering control systems and workers' training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]