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OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO PARTICULATE MATTERS AMONG STREET SWEEPERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR LUNG FUNCTION DECLINE IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

1,2 MAKANJUOLA BOSEDE C., 1SAWYERR HENRY O., 1 OPASOLA
OLANIYI A.
1 Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
2Ekiti State College of Health Sciences & Technology, Department of Environmental Health
Science, Ijero-Ekiti
*Corresponding Author Email: makanjuolabc@gmail.com. Tel: +2348032239215

ABSTRACT
Street sweepers are exposed to airborne particulate matter, particularly particulate matter with aerodynamic
diameter of 2.5 and 10 (PM₂ .₅ and PM₁ ₀ ) due to the nature of their work. Such exposure is associated with a
heightened risk of respiratory impairment. This study investigates the relationship between occupational exposure to
particulate matter and lung function impairment among street sweepers in Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional
study design was employed, involving 563 participants from three urban centers: Ikeja (Lagos), Ibadan (Oyo), and
Ado-Ekiti (Ekiti). Ambient concentrations of PM₂ .₅ and PM₁ ₀ were measured using Digital PM monitor
(PMS5003 high precision sensors). Pulmonary function (FEV₁ , FVC, FEV₁ /FVC, PEF) was assessed via
spirometry, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂ ) was evaluated using fingertip pulse oximeters to check blood
oxygen level. Descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed.Ado-Ekiti recorded
the highest PM₂ .₅ levels (135 ± 68 µg/m³), nine times higher than WHO’s 15 µg/m³ guideline. PM₁ ₀ levels were
also elevated (126 ± 80 µg/m³). Regression analyses revealed a significant inverse relationship between PM
concentrations and the FEV₁ /FVC ratio (PM₂ .₅ : β = –0.046, p < 0.001; PM₁ ₀ : β = –0.043, p < 0.001),
indicative of airway obstruction. Hypoxemia (SpO₂ < 90%) was observed in 75.5% of participants. Longer
duration of employment (β = –0.298, p = 0.004) and increased work frequency (β = –0.181, p = 0.006) were
associated with greater pulmonary function decline. High levels of occupational PM exposure and poor working
conditions contribute to significant respiratory health risks among street sweepers. mandated PPE usage, reduced
exposure hours, and routine health screenings, are urgently recommended.
Keywords: Particulate matter, Street sweepers, Occupational health, Lung function, Nigeria