The Gloves as Effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) of Indonesian Batik Workers

Abstract

Background: Batik substances may increase the risk of biological function disruption to batik workers.Objective: To Determine the effectiveness of using test gloves in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration level, and skin acidity (pH).Methods: This study was one group pretest-posttest design of 16 batik workers. Subjects use test gloves made from neoprene on right hands and personal gloves made from thermoplastic polymer of vinyl chloride on left hands in first and second week. Washed out for 2 weeks, last 2 weeks use test gloves on left hand and personal gloves on right hand. TEWL, skin hydration level, and pH was examined by Cutometer dual MP-580Result: First and second week using test gloves on the right hand, significantly differences of TEWL level on extensor and dorsum manus; skin hydration level on flexor, extensor, palmar, and dorsum manus; pH on extensor, palmar and dorsum manus (p<0.05; CI 95%). Fifth and sixth week using test gloves in the left hand, significantly difference of TEWL level on dorsum manus, all area of skin hydration level and pH results (p<0.05; CI 95%). No significant differences of comparison right and left hand in the first, second, fifth, and sixth week, that showed any types of gloves can protect batik workers from skin barrier disruption. Conclusion:Personal gloves and test gloves usage for protection doesn't have much significant difference. Wearing gloves may also give risk to trigger contact dermatitis if not used properly or using incompatible material.

Implementation of education to batik workers about contact dermatitis in Tanjung Bumi, Bangkalan, Madura, Indonesia

“…Occupational contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disorder. A high prevalence of contact dermatitis was found in hair and make-up professionals, beauty clinics, health workers, food processing workers, and metal industry workers (Ginting et al, 2021;Prakoeswa et al, 2021).…”

“…Elimination or substitution of causative factors, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) can help prevent occupational contact dermatitis (Ginting et al, 2021;Prakoeswa et al, 2021). According to a study, the use of gloves in batik workers had significant results including lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and better skin hydration, but there was no significant difference between neoprene gloves and the worker's personal gloves made of a thermoplastic polymer of vinyl (PVC).…”

“…In this study, there were only 34% of the subjects confessed to using gloves during work. The use of gloves while working should be encouraged for batik workers, however, the inappropriate use of gloves and incompatible glove materials could aggravate the risk of contact dermatitis (Prakoeswa et al, 2021).…”

“…The study proved that the use of neoprene gloves could reduce the effects of harmful substances on the skin which was better than latex gloves, but it was not optimal. Due to the size of neoprene gloves commonly sold on the market could not cover the entire arm that came in contact with the substances (Prakoeswa et al, 2021). In this study, more focus was given to educational intervention.…”

“…However, the use of these synthetic dyes increases the risk of exposure to harmful substances such as heavy metals, suspended solids, and other substances. These substances may enter the body through the skin and respiratory mucosa and cause health problems for batik workers (Prakoeswa et al, 2021;Tresnadi & Sachari, 2015). As a worker in the batik industry, knowledge about occupational health risks is necessary.…”