Asia Pacific Environmental and Occupational Health Journal

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the mean level of indoor particulate matter (PM) air pollution at photocopy shops in Kota Bharu, Kelantan and its predictive factors toward the pulmonary effect to the workers.

Method: This is a cross sectional study measuring indoor particulate matters of PM2.5, PM10 and ultrafine particle (UFP) and the lung functions of the workers.

Results: Mean particulate matters of PM2.5, PM10 and UFP at photocopy shops were 31.10 μg/m3, 82.13 μg/m3and 14158 particles/m3 respectively. Significant predictor factors for the concentration of PM2.5, PM10 and UFP were the dimension of the building, total number of daily paper printed, number of photocopy machines, total daily working hours, humidity level and total number of exhaust fans. For lung function test of the workers, the duration of working hours and their FEV1/FVC had shown an inverse relationship.

Conclusion: This findings suggested that particulate matters in the photocopy shops were significantly influenced by the building factors and photocopying processes; and their effects on the workers were related to duration of exposure during working time; therefore a better design workplace and work process standard operating procedure are needed to reduce pollutants and their effects on health.