CHARACTERIZATION AND HAZARD IDENTIFICATION OF RESPIRABLE PM2.5 IN BLACKSMITH INDUSTRY WORKERS IN MEKARMAJU VILLAGE

• Main Author: Safira Al-Faiqah, Naja
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Teknik saniter dan perkotaan; teknik perlindungan lingkungan
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/86619
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The blacksmith industry is a research location in Mekarmaju Village, Pasirjambu District, Bandung Regency. Materials and work processes in the blacksmith industry activities have the potential to produce dust containing hazardous chemical elements. This study aims to determine the concentration of PM2.5 in the blacksmith industry and the components of the chemical elements contained therein. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured with a lowvolume air sampler (LVAS), and workers' respirable PM2.5 concentrations were measured with a personal sampler pump. Calculating PM2.5 concentrations was carried out using the gravimetric method, and the chemical element components in filter paper were characterized using the XRF (X-ray fluorescence) method. The average value of indoor PM2.5 concentration was 288.2 ?g/m3, while the average value of worker respirable PM2.5 concentration was 302.56 ?g/m3. There are 15 elements from the characterization results of particulate components captured on the filter. Elements strongly correlate with each other: S, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and As, indicating that these elements are marker elements of blacksmithing activities. The highest exposure intake value for respirable PM2.5 exposure was 0.164 mg/kg.day and 0.114 mg/kg.day for Fe element exposure. A total of 28 workers had HI values > 1, which means that there is a possibility of non-carcinogenic risk for some workers if they are continuously exposed to these particulates. Therefore, risk control is needed such as the use of appropriate PPE improvement of workspace conditions and a good ventilation system.