Assessing Exposure Levels of Different Groups to Respirable Dust from Building Collapses During the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes

Year 2024, , 1271 - 1281, 31.12.2024

Tuba Rastgeldi Dogan , Ali Süzergöz

https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1552110

Abstract

In addition to the immediate destruction caused by earthquakes, significant long-term issues arise, including health problems resulting from dust produced during building demolitions. This study aimed to analyze the perceptual effects of this dust on individuals. A survey was conducted to assess the extent of dust exposure among three groups: a) Demolition officers (DO), b) Environmental safety officers (SO), and c. Individuals present during demolition (IP). Participants provided demographic data and responded to 28 questions about their dust exposure levels. The SO group reported the highest impact from dust, both physiologically and psychologically, while the DO and IP groups were less affected. Health issues, particularly respiratory problems, were notably prevalent. The SO group demonstrated higher sensitivity to dust exposure and the need for protective equipment, highlighting the inadequacy of current protective measures. Our findings also revealed that DO and IP groups had insufficient knowledge about the health risks associated with dust exposure and displayed limited interest in using protective measures. Conversely, although the SO group, with higher education levels, demonstrated greater awareness, they also failed to adequately prioritize protective measures. Overall, the results emphasize the need for improved awareness and more effective protective practices for all individuals involved in demolition activities.

Keywords

Kahrmanmaras earthquakes, Damaged building, Demolition, Dust, Particulate matter, Environmental exposure.

Ethical Statement

The authors declare that they comply with all ethical standards.

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK (TÜBİTAK 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program)

Project Number

1919B012317689

Thanks

This study was supported by TÜBİTAK 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program (Project No: 1919B012317689) We would like to thank TÜBİTAK for their support. We would also like to thank the Presidency of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Turkey and the governorships of Sanlıurfa, Adiyaman and Kahramanmaras for their contributions and support to our study.

2023 Kahramanmaraş Depremleri Sırasında Bina Çökmeleri Sonucu Oluşan Solunabilir Tozlara Farklı Grupların Maruziyet Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Depremlerin anlık yıkıcı etkilerinin yanı sıra, binaların yıkımı sırasında oluşan tozlardan kaynaklanan sağlık problemleri gibi uzun vadeli sorunlar da ortaya çıkmaktadır. Çalışmamız, bu tozların bireyler üzerindeki algısal etkilerini analiz etmeyi amaçlamıştır. Üç grup arasında toza maruz kalma derecesini değerlendirmek üzere bir anket gerçekleştirilmiştir: a. Yıkım görevlileri (YG), b. Çevre güvenliği görevlileri (ÇG), ve c. Yıkım sırasında mevcut olan bireyler (ÇB). Katılımcılar demografik verilerini sundu ve toz maruziyet seviyeleri hakkında 28 soru yanıtladı. Bina yıkımı esnasında ortaya çıkan tozlardan hem fizyolojik hem de psikolojik anlamda en çok ÇG grubu etkilenirken YG ve ÇB gruplarına ait bireylerin maruziyetten daha az etkilendikleri belirlenmiştir. Özellikle solunum sistemiyle ilgili sağlık sorunları anlamlı bir şekilde yüksek bulunmuştur. Yıkım esnasında toza maruziyet ve koruyucu ekipman açısından ÇG grubunun daha duyarlı olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Her üç grup tarafından koruyucu önlemlerin yetersizliği vurgulanmıştır. Çalışmamız sonucunda YG ve ÇB gruplarına ait bireylerin yıkım esnasında çıkan tozlara maruziyetin solunum sistemine etkileri konusunda yeterince bilgi sahibi olmadıkları ve koruyucu önlemlere başvurmakta ilgisiz kaldıkları bununla birlikte eğitim düzeyi yüksek olan ÇG grubuna ait bireylerin daha duyarlı olduğu, fakat genel olarak koruyucu önlemlere özen göstermenin yetersiz kaldığı tespit edilmiştir.

Keywords

Kahramanmaraş Depremleri, hasarlı bina, yıkım, toz, partikül madde, çevresel maruziyet

Ethical Statement

Yazarlar tüm etik standartlara uyduklarını beyan ederler.

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK (TÜBİTAK 2209-A Üniversite Öğrencileri Araştırma Projeleri Destekleme Programı)

Project Number

1919B012317689

Thanks

Bu çalışma TÜBİTAK 2209-A Üniversite Öğrencileri Araştırma Projeleri Destekleme Programı (Proje No: 1919B012317689) tarafından desteklenmiştir. TÜBİTAK'a destekleri için teşekkür etmek isteriz. Ayrıca Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Çevre, Şehircilik ve İklim Değişikliği Başkanlığı'na ve Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman ve Kahramanmaraş valiliklerine çalışmamıza sağladıkları katkı ve destek için teşekkür etmek isteriz.

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