Assessment of particulate matter exposure levels and associated respiratory symptoms among oil seed processing factories workers.

Studies have shown that levels of fungal contamination and mycotoxin concentrations in oil-producing seeds vary across regions. In addition, extreme exposure to seeds dust particulate matter can lead to respiratory health problems. In Ethiopia oil-seeds processing factories workers exposure to particulate matter and magnitude of its respiratory symptoms have not been widely explored. To determine particulate matter concentration exposure levels and identify factors associated with respiratory symptoms among oil-seed processing factories workers. Using cross-sectional study design, 14 factories and 716 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Qualitative data were collected through checklist-based observation, in-depth interviews & FGDs and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Direct particulate matter concentrations were measured using PATS + , Dylos DC1900, and Laser PM2.5 Meter-5800D/5800E devices. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarization, and analysis was conducted using STATA version 16.1. Binary logistic regression &multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify associated factors, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Among 716 participants, 49.9% were female. The mean PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations in oil-seeds processing factories were 19.72 ± 11.8 µg/m