Coal Dust Exposure Characteristic and Impact on Respiratory Impairment from Coal Unloading Station in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Coal hauling, loading, and transportation activities impacted the emergence of coal dust which is harmful to health. The coal dust exposed from coal unloading stations and coal waterway transportation has escaped attention. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of coal dust, the influence of climate parameters on the spread of coal dust, and its impact on the health of children under five in the exposed area. The coal dust characteristics and concentrations of PM PM2.5 and PM10 were analyzed from ten points spread across three mining companies (A, B, and C). The effect of climate parameters on PM2.5 and PM10 was tested statistically. The results of the chemical analysis revealed that coal dust was dominated by the high content of Si, Al, S, and Fe. The concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 is affected by wind speed. PM2.5 and PM10 can exceed the annual threshold value, which has caused a high incidence of respiratory problems in two sub-districts, namely Makrayu and Gandus