Particulate matter (PM) consists of solid particles suspended in the air, which can have significant health effects depending on their sizes. Particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10 and PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and reach the lungs, causing serious health risks. In this study, the PM2.5 exposure levels of operators working with cabinless tractors commonly used in forestry were evaluated. In field studies conducted in the Osmangazi Forest Management Chief, measurements were taken on a New Holland TT55B model tractor using two different devices. The average PM2.5 concentration measured with an industrial device (PCE-PCO-2 Particle Meter) was 206.22 μg/m³, while the value recorded with the TriSensor 4.0 multi-measurement device (Arduino based) was 188.94 μg/m³. Similarly, in the Dağtekke Forest Management Chief area, PM2.5 measurements were conducted on a Türk-FIAT 80-66 model tractor. The average PM2.5 concentration was found to be 114.98 μg/m³ with the industrial device and 165.35 μg/m³ with the TriSensor 4.0 device. These results indicate that operators working with cabinless tractors are exposed to high levels of particulate matter, which poses a serious occupational health risk. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to improve occupational health and safety in forestry operations.
저자
İnanç Taş [ Forest Engineering Department, Faculty of Forestry, Bursa technical University, 16310 Bursa, Türkiye ]
Corresponding Author
Abdullah E. Akay [ Forest Engineering Department, Faculty of Forestry, Bursa technical University, 16310 Bursa, Türkiye ]
Halit Büyüksakallı [ Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Köyceğiz Vocational School, 48000 Muğla, Türkiye ]
