Thesis (MPH.) --University of Limpopo, 2006 / Studies conducted on people who reside next to dust producing mines and industries show major health risks. Air pollutants from the mine and industries are inhaled by exposed miners and people who live in the vicinity (Steenland, 1995).
Aim
The aim of the study is to investigate non-occupational exposure to silica dust at gaMaja village in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.
Methodology
Study design
For this study a cross sectional descriptive study design was used.
Study site
The study was conducted at gaMaja village near Polokwane in the Limpopo Province
Sampling
A total sample of 200 villagers participated in the present study.
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Data Collection
Two hundred questionnaires were used to collect survey data and were coupled with four dust deposition gauges. The four gauges were mounted at four different positions in the village and were left for six hours.
Data Analysis
Questionnaires were analysed using SPSS computer software to determine silica-related illnesses and indicators of exposure to silicosis susceptibility.
Dust samples from dust deposition gauges were analysed using a Varian 110 atomic absorption spectrometer for determination of silicon.
Results
The majority of both male and female participants reported that they do not wheeze (81.4%) or bring out phlegm from their chest (71.4%) as compared to those who reported episodes of cough (48%). Gauges were able to identify exposure to a particular pollutant, silica dust, and were successful.Discussion
Data from questionnaires revealed that villagers do not show signs and symptoms related to silicosis, however, that does not rule out infection in a long run.
The results from dust samples that were collected reveal that there are traces of silica (crystabolite) in the village of gaMaja. Dust samples were collected during normal production at the mine in the middle of summer.
Conclusion
Findings from this study show that people residing next to dust producing mines and industries are at high risk of health hazard. Mining companies and policy makers should take note of the findings while planning preventive strategies for reduction of air pollutants.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/1383 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Kekana, Mokoko Percy |
| Contributors | Mpolokeng, M. B. L. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | x, 49 leaves |
| Relation | Adobe Acrobat Reader, version 7 |
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