PARTICULATE MATTER AND LUNG FUNCTION ASSESSMENT AMONG INCENSE STICK WORKERS IN MALANG REGENCY, INDONESIA

Abstract

Incense sticks are generally used in a variety of rituals all around the world.  Most products are made in home-based incense stick industries.  These industries have a lot of environmental and occupational risks.  This study was conducted in 5 incense stick home factories in Malang Regency from July to August 2023.  It aimed to measure particulate matters of 2.5 and 10 microns (PM2.5 and PM10) and the respiratory health of factory workers.  PM2.5 and PM10 were measured using Particulate Counter while the lung functions (forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)) of 45 workers were measured by the spirometer.  The average concentration of PM2.5 in Factories 1-5 were 108.75 ± 56.41, 90.0 ± 19.39, 97.25 ± 40.36, 90.75 ± 25.32, and 82.5 ± 21.75 µg/m³, respectively while the average PM10 concentrations in those 5 factories were 235.25 ± 94.53, 331.5 ± 186.34, 223.0 ± 98.78, 197.25 ± 44.56, and 163.75 ± 46.23 µg/m³, respectively.  Particulate matters in every study site exceeded the National Environmental Quality Standards.  In Factories 1-5, the average temperatures were 27.61 ± 0.09, 27.69 ± 0.12, 31.47 ± 0.11, 31.23 ± 0.44, and 29.66 ± 1.11 degree Celsius, respectively while the average the relative humidity values were 69.27 ± 0.31, 69.70 ± 0.53, 59.95 ± 2.89, 61.95 ± 1.86, and 64.17± 1.87 percents, respectively.  More than three-fourth of the total workers have abnormal FVC and FEV1.  Therefore, raising awareness about the use of personal protective equipment and placing more of an emphasis on eliminating environmental workplace hazards should be taken into consideration.