Environmental Health Risk Analysis of PM2,5 and PM10 Exposure in Aluminium and Iron Factory Workers at PT X

Abstract

The IQAir 2023 report shows Indonesia's air quality is the worst in Southeast Asia, with an average PM2,5 concentration of 37.1 μg/m3 that poses health risks. At PT X, 28% of workers experience respiratory problems that may be due to dust exposure. This study aims to evaluate the health risks due to PM2,5 and PM10 exposure among workers at PT X's aluminum and iron plant. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design and an Environmental Health Risk Analysis (EHRA) approach was conducted on 48 workers in the pressing and casting sections. PM2,5 and PM10 were measured using Particle Counter TC8100, and peak flow of excretion (PFE) was tested with Peak Flow Meter. Data were analyzed using Spearman Rho and Chi Square correlation tests. The risk of realtime PM2,5 and PM10 exposure was still within safe limits (RQ < 1), but in lifetime exposure, eight respondents showed R > 1. The correlation between peak flow meter and realtime PM2,5 (ρ = 0. 234, p = 0.110), PM2,5 lifetime (ρ = -0.042, p = 0.775), PM10 realtime (ρ = 0.116, p = 0.434), and PM10 lifetime (ρ = -0.064, p = 0.667) were very weak and not significant. No association was found between PM2,5 and PM10 intakes (p = 1.000). Although there is no correlation between peak flow of excretion (PFE) and PM exposure, lifetime exposure is potentially harmful to lung health, so the use of PPE, such as masks, is highly recommended.