Relationship between benzene concentrations with erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and health complaints of workers in surabaya printing industry

Abstract

Printing industry uses a lot of raw materials that contain benzene in the production process. Exposure to benzene can cause haematological effects that affect the production of blood cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between benzene concentrations with erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and health complaints among workers in Surabaya Printing Industry. This research was conducted in Printing X Surabaya. This research is observational, quantitative approach, and cross-sectional. The respondents in this study were 19 people. The variables studied were the concentration of benzene in the air, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and health complaints among workers at Printing X Surabaya. Data analysis using Spearman rank correlation test. Measurement of the concentration of benzene in the air exceeds the Threshold Limit Value. There were 5 respondents had erythrocyte level above the normal and 1 respondent had hemoglobin level below the normal. There was a quite significant and positive relationship between the concentration of benzene in the air and erythrocytes (p=0.033). But there was no significant relationship between the concentration of benzene in the air and hemoglobin (p=0.158). Health complaints experienced by workers in Printing X Surabaya included coughing, headaches, and shortness of breath. There is a fairly strong relationship between benzene concentrations and erythrocytes but there is no relationship between benzene concentration and hemoglobin.