Milling hazards: A comprehensive analysis of indoor environment of flour mills

This paper conducts a meticulous analysis of the declining indoor physical parameters within flour mills, emphasizing their impact on worker well-being. Through comprehensive examination, it highlights the concerning trends in the indoor environment, solely aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of the existing conditions. The objective of the study conducted was to learn more about the various dangers associated with the indoor environment of the flour mills while taking into account the degree of problems faced by the workers. The study was carried out in 20 flour mills of Ludhiana city on 100 workers, chosen as respondents who were actively engaged in various duties carried out in the flour mills. Using a five-in-one environment metre and an air quality monitor, the physical variables of the indoor environment (temperature, light, noise levels, relative humidity, and levels of particulate matter 2.5 g/m³ and 10 g/m³) were evaluated. The average value of light intensity was 114.5 lux, noise was 79.23 db, average humidity came out to be 25.03 RH, temperature was 27.22°C and the average values of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were 144.09 g/m³ and 256.8 g/m³ respectively which were quiet alarming and varied from the standard values recommended for the workplace.