Assessment of indoor air quality of the furniture manufacturers in Binh Duong industrial parks, Vietnam

Abstract

Wood furniture and related products are created from raw wood and or wood products that require cutting, sanding, and other handling activities that generate wood dust. Exposure to indoor factory air pollutants can have significant health consequences for workers and nearby communities. Therefore, it was necessary to implement the assessment of indoor air quality in furniture manufacturers. This study mainly aimed to assess the indoor air quality status of physical and chemical aspects at 3 different furniture factories. Each sample was analysed for eight parameters including TSP, PM10, PM2.5, noise, temperature, humidity, wind, and light. Sampling and sample handling techniques were performed based on the usage test methods of Vietnam standards. The concentrations of TSP (194 – 493 μg/m3), PM10 (106.7 – 153.8 μg/m3), PM2.5 (72.8 – 95.6 μg/m3); and, the variables of noise (70.4 – 80.3 dBA), temperature (29.4 – 32.4 °C), humidity (58.0 – 69.4 %), wind (0.29 – 0.49) and light (327 – 573) these considered at 3 furniture manufacturers were within the allowable thresholds of QCVN 02:2019/BYT (Permissible exposure limit value of dust at the workplace), QCVN24:2016/BYT (Permissible exposure levels of noise in the workplace), QCVN26:2016/BYT (Permissible value of microclimate in the workplace); and, QCVN22:2016/BYT (Permissible levels of lighting in the workplace). However, long-term direct exposure of workers to these pollutants would also result in potential health risks. This study also suggested the management and technical control solutions to contribute to improving air quality for furniture manufacturers.