Risk analysis of inhaled hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) exposure on blacksmiths from industrial area

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) is used as a mixture to improve strength and corrosion resistance. Milling and welding processes can expose workers to Cr through dermal exposure and inhalation. Cr exposure can be determined by urine testing. The purpose of this study was to analyze the concentration of Cr in urine (UCr) of workers. This study was carried out using a cross-sectional method. Sampling was conducted in the village of Mekarmaju, Bandung, Indonesia. The number of respondents included 30 blacksmiths, and the control group comprised 10 people who were not blacksmiths. Cr 6+ exposure was measured using a personal sampling pump placed on the collar of the worker's shirt as a breathing zone and then analyzed using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. UCr was measured with a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The measured Cr 6+ concentration in the exposed working area ranged from 0.03 to 0.63 mg/m 3 , whereas that in non-exposed area ranged from 0.02 to 0.04 mg/m 3 . Results showed that 16 out of 30 blacksmiths had a UCr concentration above the biological exposure index (BEI) value, 21 had a higher value than the threshold limit value (TLV), and 22 had hazard index (HI) values > 1, which indicated that Cr has a hazardous potential in the body. The analysis of the exposed and control groups showed a significant difference with a p value of 0.000 for TLV, chronic daily intake, and UCr. These results clearly showed that Cr 6+ exposure may harm the health of these workers in the future. The results obtained in this study can be used to promote workers' awareness on the potential health risk caused by Cr 6+ exposure in the working environment.

Urinary hippuric acid level as a biological indicator of toluene exposure on batik workers

“…Most of the exposed groups are light caffeine consumers (<3 glasses), while the control group is equal between light and heavy consumers. The caffeine consumption categories were made based on the study that reported a significant increase in uHA on heavy drinkers [ 11 , 12 , 30 ]. Most of the exposed groups are having a high school education level while the control group is elementary level.…”

Investigation of dermal exposure to heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Al, Fe and Pb) in traditional batik industry workers

“…2 ]. The toxic effect of the heavy metal exposure will be a concern when the HQ Index is more than 1 (HQ > 1) [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. …”

“…In evaluating the risk of batik industry workers, HQ Index was determined comparing the calculated ADD value to the R f D [Eq.2]. The toxic effect of the heavy metal exposure will be a concern when the HQ Index is more than 1 (HQ > 1) [23,24,25].…”

Ecological impacts of ballast water loading and discharge: insight into the toxicity and accumulation of disinfection by-products

“…HAA and THM are the by-products of chlorination as hypochlorous acid interact with natural organic matter in the sea/brackish water ( de Vera et al., 2016 ; Huang and Shah, 2018 ). These chemicals are listed as toxic compounds, which may affect the ecosystems in the receiving port during the discharge of ballast water ( Oginawati et al., 2021a , 2021b ; US-EPA, 1998 ).…”