Title: Mathematical modelling of lead assimilation by printing press operators in a poor indoor air quality environment

Authors: S.A. Oke, A.O. Ahmed, O.G. Akanbi, F.A. Oyawale, C.E. Ofiabulu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Nigeria. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Nigeria. ' Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. ' Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. ' Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: Most printing presses in developing countries are located in buildings with inadequate natural and mechanical ventilation such that the press operators work for major hours in poor indoor air quality buildings, which expose them to a wide range of health hazards such as lead poisoning. Understanding how poor air quality affects the operator|s body system is studied using a methodology involving the principle of diffusion and the law of mass action. A hypothetical press in Nigeria is used as a case study to illustrate the workability of the model, which may be of value to health inspectors to printing presses.

Keywords: lead assimilation; nose printing press; operators; mathematical modelling; indoor air quality; lead exposure; health hazards; lead poisoning; Nigeria; ventilation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2008.020742

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2008 Vol.6 No.5/6, pp.554 - 565

Published online: 13 Oct 2008 *

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