Dust exposure levels, respiratory symptoms, and associated factors among dry coffee processing workers in Agaro, Southwest Ethiopia.

Authors

Gudeta Yilma Gurmu, Samuel Fekadu, Desalegn Dadi Olani, Seid Tiku Mereta, Debela Hinsermu Geleta

Published in

Archives of environmental & occupational health. Pages 1-14. Jul 16, 2026. Epub Jul 16, 2026.

Abstract

This study assessed dust exposure, respiratory symptoms, and associated factors among 315 dry coffee processing workers in Agaro, Ethiopia. We measured particulate matter using dust detectors and assessed symptoms via modified ATS questionnaires. Geometric mean concentrations of PM₂.₅ (3.2 mg/m³) and PM₁₀ (11.6 mg/m³) exceeded occupational safety limits. Current respiratory symptoms were reported by 38.5% of workers (95% CI: 33-44%), peaking in machine rooms (71.2%). Machine room workers were significantly more likely to experience symptoms than hand-pickers (AOR = 3.6). Working >8 hours daily, longer employment, inconsistent mask use, and lack of safety training were independent risk factors. Agaro coffee workers face excessive dust and a high respiratory symptom burden. Protecting worker health requires engineering dust controls, reduced shift lengths, consistent mask use, and safety training.

PMID:
42462142
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 17 Jul 2026.

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