Analysis of Work Capacity and Chromium Exposure on Lung Function Capacity in Metal Coating Worker

Occupational Safety and Health Departement, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: wahyuni_ida23@yahoo.co.id

Abstract

Chromium commonly used as an anti-corrosive agent for electroplating. Clinical and laboratory evidence showed that inhaled chromium was very toxic. Talang, Tegal have several groups of metal coating workers. As an informal sector, they have no law enforcement and also health services. The workplaces have poor hygiene sanitation, poor workplace arrangement and they tend to ignore the usage of personal protective equipment. This research aimed to analyze the work capacity and chromium exposure on lung function capacity in metal coating workers. The study population was all metal coating workers in the Talang sub-district. While the subject of this study was purposively taken, they were consists of 35 workers that in productive age workers and do active metal coatings work. The independent variables of this study were exposure to chromium and work capacity. Dependent variable was lung function capacity. The parameters observed to find out lung function with spirometry examination. The Chi-square test were used in this research. The results showed that the levels of chromium in urine in workers averaged 21.16 µg/L. There was no relationship between age, length of work, and levels of chromium in urine with lung function capacity. Nutritional status has a relationship with lung function capacity.