Levels and Period of Exposure to Chemical Irritants in Relation to Symptoms of Skin Diseases for Construction Specialised Personnel in Zambia

Prisca Tente, Erastus Mwanaumo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Construction does not only bring about economic development but also hazards that are detrimental to worker’s health. Construction activities such as wet concrete mixing, wall filling, and painting require the use of chemical which become irritants on workers’ skin resulting in symptoms of skin diseases. The skin diseases could be costly and may result in emotional and physical morbidity. According to Occupational Health Institute of Zambia, skin diseases are prevalent in construction and arise from exposure to chemical irritants. Some studies have shown that there is a relationship between levels, period of exposure to chemical irritants and occurrence of symptoms of skin diseases. This paper reviews the levels and period of exposure to chemical irritants in relation to the occurrence of symptoms of skin diseases for construction specialised personnel in Zambia. A questionnaire survey involving 100 workers was used on the road and building projects. The sample size was limited to 100 because the numbers of workers were reduced due to Covid-19 by the Ministry of Health. Bricklayers, carpenters, batchers, tilers, demolition workers, painters and labourers were purposively sampled. The ethical clearance was approved by the University of Zambia Natural and Applied Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Data was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. Results showed that the higher the exposure levels and the longer the period of exposure to chemical irritants, the higher the likelihood of developing symptoms of skin diseases. The study recommends reduction of levels and period of exposure to chemical irritants through provision of skilled suited gloves, introduction of half day shift work and tool box talks before any work activity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTowards a Sustainable Construction Industry
Subtitle of host publicationThe Role of Innovation and Digitalisation: Proceedings of 12th Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Postgraduate Research Conference
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages195-205
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9783031224348
ISBN (Print)9783031224331
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chemical irritants
  • Construction workers
  • Exposure levels
  • Period
  • Skin symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering
  • General Business,Management and Accounting
  • General Social Sciences

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