Particulate problems of different occupational environments in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper studied the air pollution problems that occurred in various working environments in Hong Kong through questionnaire survey and field measurements. Results of the survey showed that more than half of the respondents, who were affected by different kinds of air pollution, were suffering from either eye and nasal allergies, or throat irritation. Many of them recognized dust particulate to be the most serious air pollutant in their working environments. A portable laser dust monitor was employed to measure the levels of dust particulate that would be inhaled by people of different occupations and subject to different environments. The measurement results revealed that only some occupations were exposed to unacceptably high particulate levels. Generally, the particulate levels of most of the working environments, catering premises and entertainment places were much lower than the ambient levels and unlikely to pose any occupational hygiene problems.