Assessment of Trace Elements in Airborne Particulates at Wood Processing and Marketing Centre in Ghana

This study evaluated the scope of exposure to As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn contents of airborne particulate matter generated from wood processing activities in the Sokoban wood village in Kumasi, Ghana. Samples were collected using 5 µm pore size PVC membrane filter air sampling cassettes placed at workers’ breathing zone. Air was sampled at a 2 ± 0.1 L/min flow rate using SKC Sidekick pumps. Samples were analysed, and data compared with WHO and USEPA recommended levels. Metal levels of wood sellers’ and food vendor’s samples ranged from 0.210 ± 0.145 (Pb) to 10.95 ± 2.37 mg/m 3 (Fe) and 0.263 ± 0.352 (Cd) to 10.806 ± 0.263 mg/m 3 (Fe) respectively whilst that of furniture manufacturers and machine operators ranged from 0.057 ± 0.095 (Pb) to 11.24 ± 0.028 mg/m 3 (Fe) and 0.08 ± 0.08 (Pb) to 12.26 ± 0.365 mg/m 3 (Fe) respectively. Investigated metals levels of particulate matter of machine operators, furniture manufacturers, wood sellers and food vendors samples were 20.52 mg/m 3 > 19.98 mg/m 3 > 17.89 mg/m 3 > 17.49 mg/m 3 respectively. Workers in direct contact with wood or wood products had high exposure than others. Metals levels were above recommended levels, and workers are at risk of the effects of the investigated metals. Levels of the metals are serious public health issues, and authorities must introduce effective interventions to safeguard health and protect lives.