Description of Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) Levels Waste Transporter Workers In Ternate

¹ Doctoral Program of Public Health, Public Health Faculty, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
² Public Health Faculty, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding dwipurwi87@gmail.com

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the environmental pollution problems occurring worldwide. The World Health Organization conducted a survey in 1600 cities spread across 91 countries worldwide and found that nearly 90% in urban centers breathe unhealthy air. In Indonesia, approximately 70% of air pollution comes from motor vehicles. One of the pollutants is carbon monoxide (CO). Waste transporter workers are at high risk of CO exposure due to motor vehicle emissions along their routes and during the decomposition of waste. This exposure can increase carbon monoxide hemoglobin (COHb) levels in the blood if appropriate personal protective equipment is not used during work. This study aimed to determine COHb levels among waste collectors in Ternate City. This descriptive observational study involved 32 participants. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using the Conway dish method with spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 332 nm. The results showed an average COHb level of 12.37% among the workers, with a range of 7.48% to 19.80%. 100% of respondents had COHb levels above the normal threshold required by the WHO. The COHb levels of waste transporter in Ternate exceeded the normal threshold, indicating a health risk due to CO exposure in the workplace.