Evaluation of Concentration, RQ, ECR of BTX, MDA level and DNA degeneration in Workers exposed to BTX

This research is an observational, cross sectional study conducted in five industries in Surabaya that use BTX as a solvent in its production process in the Ketintang, Jemursari, Kalijudan, AUP and Romokalisari areas. The variables studied in this study were concentration, RQ, ECR BTX, MDA and DNA degeneration. This research passed the ethical test and was approved by the Institutional Ethics Council of Airlangga University. Participation, confidentiality, and informed consent were obtained from each respondent. The types of data used in this study are primary and secondary data. Primary data is data obtained directly at the research location in the form of field observations, questionnaire results and sampling which is then analyzed in the laboratory. Secondary data is a literature study to strengthen the analysis in this study.

 The population in this study were all workers exposed to toluene in five industrial areas in Surabaya. The inclusion criteria in this study were all workers exposed to toluene, aged ≥ 16 years, willing to participate (signing informed consent) and able to communicate. Workers with acute physical or mental illness, those taking medication for medical conditions, and those with infections and/or acute illnesses that might suppress their immune systems as well as pregnant women were excluded from the study. The research sample was taken using accidental sampling method which resulted in 81 respondents.