Determining and evaluating indoor air quality in tobacco processing facilities

Tobacco is an annual plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, and among the approximately 65 species within the "Nicotiana" genus, only "Nicotiana tabacum" and "Nicotiana rustica" are utilized in the production of tobacco products such as cigars, pipes, and cigarettes. The majority of globally produced tobacco belongs to the species Nicotiana tabacum, categorized as Virginia, Burley, and Oriental types. Despite its economic and employment significance in Turkey, tobacco has become a subject of increasing debate due to its detrimental effects on human health. Considered a probable native plant of the Americas, tobacco was initially employed for medicinal purposes in Europe and gradually gained popularity for recreational consumption. The introduction of tobacco to Turkey occurred in the early 17th century, initially for medicinal applications. This thesis aims to assess the current situation based on measurements conducted at a tobacco processing facility in the Diyarbakır Organized Industrial Zone, focusing on the parameters of PM10, PM2.5, and settling dust, in accordance with the limits set by the Regulation on Control of Industrial Air Pollution (SKHKKY). The production, loading, unloading, and storage activities at the facility result in dust emissions. In this context, heavy metal measurements in potential PM10, PM2.5, and settling dust emissions at the mentioned facility were conducted by the TS EN 12341 and TS 2341 Air Quality Measurement Methods for Dust Measurement Device Installation and Operation Method Standard. Measurements were carried out over a 30-day period to determine settling dust levels. The "Dustmate" device was used to determine the PM10 and PM2.5 parameters. The obtained measurement results were evaluated according to the provisions of Annex-2 of the "Regulation on Control of Industrial Air Pollution" dated 03.07.2009 and numbered 27277. The assessment revealed that the levels of heavy metals and particulate matter within the facility exceeded the specified limit values. The analysis results indicate a significant negative potential of tobacco, which can directly or indirectly pose various risks to human health.