Particulate matter (PM2.5), recently classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), represents a major concern for human health, particularly in occupational environments. In response to the need for accessible monitoring tools, this study aimed to: (1) develop a low-cost device for PM2.5 measurement, (2) evaluate its performance, (3) apply it in real-time workplace monitoring, and (4) Occupational health evaluation considering cancer risk associated with PM2.5 exposure. The sensing device integrates particulate matter, temperature, and humidity sensors. It is built around a Single Board Computer (SBC) and supports local data storage, GPS compatibility, and Wi-Fi communication. The entire system operates at a total cost of less than USD 500, providing a low-cost yet comprehensive solution for environmental monitoring. Performance testing of the constructed device demonstrated "good" precision (R2 = 0.66-0.68), a coefficient of variation between 4.5% and 21.3%, satisfactory accuracy, and a low detection limit. After validation, it was used to measure PM2.5 concentrations in occupational environments, revealing temporal patterns strongly linked to human activity. The highest average concentrations were recorded during the daytime hours of weekdays (working hours), ranging from 12.25 µg/m³ to 240.19 µg/m³, while nighttime levels were lower (11.22 µg/m³ to 152.08 µg/m³, respectively). The results indicate that local activities are the main contributors to PM2.5 emissions. On weekends, concentration decreased significantly in all periods, suggesting an overall reduction in line with the suspension of local activities. Occupational health assessed based on cancer risk associated with PM2.5, assuming 24-hr exposure to the pollutant, showed exposure levels exceeded the annual limits recommended by the WHO and ASHRAE/USEPA across all monitored sites.
Cavalcante et al. (Wed,) studied this question.