Lead Content in Hair and Health Problems at Workers in SPBU (Gas Station) of Gorontalo City in 2017. Public Health Departement, State University of Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a poisonous heavy metal and able to pollute environtment as well as endanger health. Particle of Pb which pollutes air drives from combustion residue of motor vehicle, waste of factory production of alkil Pb and Pb-oxide, combustion of charcoal and other addictive materials. The polluted air enters human body through process of respirations. Concentrate of Pb exposure is influenced by size of particle from lead compound as well as the inhaled air volume. Research samples are workers of SPBU in Gorontalo City to investigate Pb content accumulated in workers’ body and its influence towards health problems. This research aims to investigate Pb content contained in hair of SPBU workers and accumulation of Pb metal in workers’ body and its influence towards health problems. This is an analytical observational research with cross sectional study approach. The research applies Atomic Absorbtion Spechtofotometry (AAS) to analyze specimen. Finding of hair sample test shows that based on accumulation of Pb exposure towards 48 respondents, 40 of have exceeded the Threshold Limit value namely >2,00 ppm. Then analysis of linear regression shows that value of correlation (R) coefficient between Pb content in hair towards disease complaint is 0,422 with determinant coefficient (R²) for 0,178.

Research conclusion is accumulation of Pb exposure in 83,33% respondents has exceeded the threshold limit value. Correlations between Pb content in hair  of SPBU workers in Gorontalo City toward disease complaint is 42,2% and has influence of 17,8% toward health problem of workers. Therefore, owners of SPBU are expected to provide PPE for their workers.