Impact of particulate matter exposure on forced vital capacity and respiratory symptoms in landfill workers

Febby Jazilatul Hamidah; Dwinda Oktavia Ariska; Akas Yekti Pulih Asih; Kuuni Ulfah Naila  El Muna; Edza Aria Wikurendra; Josfirin Uding Rangga

doi:10.18502/japh.v10i3.19596

Febby Jazilatul Hamidah Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Dwinda Oktavia Ariska Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Akas Yekti Pulih Asih Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Kuuni Ulfah Naila El Muna Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Edza Aria Wikurendra Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Josfirin Uding Rangga Department of Health Science, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, Curtin University, Miri, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/japh.v10i3.19596

Keywords: Landfill; Workers; Forced vital capacity (FVC); Particulate matters (PM2.5); Respiratory symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to particulate matter in the workplace has been identified as a major contributing factor to respiratory diseases including decreased lung function. In developing countries, health and safety of landfill workers receives little attention. Thus, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth investigation into particulate matter exposure and its link to disease. This study to investigate the relationship between exposure of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) on forced vital capacity and respiratory symptoms in landfill workers.

Materials and methods: Measurements of PM2.5 parameter air samples were taken using an SNDWAY brand detector from five locations. Interviews using questionnaires with 49 landfill worker respondents were conducted to determine respiratory symptoms. Forced vital capacity was examined with a Voldyne 4000 incentive spirometer and the results were analyzed with chi- square statistical analysis.

Results: The highest PM2.5concentrations occurred during the day in the west,east, and center, which fall into the unhealthy category. Most of the respondents had abnormal forced vital capacity (32 people, 65.3%) and respiratory symptoms (43 respondents, 87.8%). Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant association between PM2.5 exposure and abnormal FVC with a p-value of 0.002 and an Odds Ratio (OR) of 10.0 (95% CI: 2.41–41.58).

Conclusion: This study found a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and abnormal Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in landfill workers (p = 0.002; OR = 10.0; 95% CI: 2.41–41.58). These findings indicate that workers exposed to PM2.5 are at increased risk of lung function impairment, underscoring the need for routine respiratory health monitoring and targeted exposure mitigation in landfill environments.