Coffee Workers in Ethiopia's Agaro Region Face Hidden Dangers

In the Agaro region of Southwest Ethiopia, a growing concern is emerging among workers in the dry coffee processing industry. Their work environment is filled with high levels of dust, which poses serious health risks. Researchers recently conducted a study to assess the extent of dust exposure and its impact on the respiratory health of these workers.

The study involved 315 workers and used advanced dust detectors to measure particulate matter in the air. What they found was alarming: the levels of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ were significantly higher than what is considered safe for workers. Specifically, the geometric mean concentrations were 3.2 mg/m³ for PM₂.₅ and 11.6 mg/m³ for PM₁₀.

When it comes to respiratory symptoms, a substantial number of workers reported experiencing issues. About 38.5% of the workers had current respiratory symptoms, with a wide range of 33-44%. The machine rooms, where workers are exposed to even higher dust levels, reported the highest incidence of symptoms at 71.2%.

The study also identified key factors that increase the risk of respiratory symptoms among these workers. For instance, those working more than 8 hours a day, those who have been employed for longer periods, and those who do not consistently use masks are at a higher risk. Additionally, the lack of safety training further exacerbates the problem.

Workers in machine rooms are particularly vulnerable compared to hand-pickers, with machine room workers being 3.6 times more likely to experience respiratory symptoms. This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for protective measures.

To safeguard the health of these workers, several measures are recommended. Implementing engineering controls to reduce dust, shortening work shifts, ensuring consistent mask use, and providing safety training are critical steps. Without these interventions, the health of coffee workers in Agaro will continue to be at risk.