Occupational exposure to hazardous emissions in Indian manufacturing: source analysis, control measures, and safety strategies

Over the past decade, India has rapidly transformed into a manufacturing hub, leading to significant industrial growth. Industrial particulate emissions significantly contribute to air quality deterioration by releasing airborne pollutants and toxic compounds, posing health risks to workers and nearby residents. This study focuses on the manufacturing sector, assessing exposure among industrial workers and machine operators in their breathing zones by analysing particle concentrations, metal content, and associated health risks, along with the prevalence of related health conditions. In this piece of work, 12 high-demand occupational sectors in India have been examined, including cement manufacturing, marble processing, brick kilns, construction, flour milling, firecracker production, coal handling, cotton fabric production, woodworking, and metal work such as welding, gas cutting, and electrical machining. The study found that PM2.5 concentrations at all sites exceeded the Indian NAAQ limit of 60 μg/m3. The highest levels were recorded at firecracker ranges 658.36 to 1633.39 µg/m3 and 785.36 to 1632.58 µg/m3 in cement work sites. Toxic elements such as As, Ni, Cr(VI), Cd, and Pb were significantly enriched at these sites, with exposure concentrations of 1.457 and 1.044 µg/m3, resulting in cancer risks of 7.529 × 10-3 and 5.140 × 10-3, respectively. This study also investigates various particulate emission control strategies and the fabrication of control devices to reduce exposure among industrial workers. The developed assembly effectively controls PM2.5 emissions with an overall efficiency of 85–90%. This comprehensive analysis of hazardous exposure supports evidence-based policymaking and preventive measures.