Risk Quotient of Airborne Paraquat Exposure Among Workers in Palm Oil Plantation

Paraquat is the herbicide widely used at palm oil plantations, although usage it in some countries has been banned and restricted. Paraquat spraying was not appropriate procedure could be polluted the environment and lead to health disorders workers. Paraquat could enter the body through inhalation, dermal and ingestion, one of frequent routes through inhalation during spraying weeds in plantation areas. This study aimed was to analyze potential inhalation dose and Risk Quotient to workers at palm oil plantation. This research was a descriptive study with cross sectional design and analysis of environmental health risk methods. Airborne Paraquat residue was collected from 8 workers with occupational activity as a supervisor and sprayer. Airborne Paraquat residue was measured for 25 minutes during spraying by using personal air sampler at worker's breathing zone. Airborne Paraquat residue was detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with NIOSH 5003 methods. The average of airborne Paraquat residue was 0.0125 mg/m3, it values was less than the Threshold Limit Value (0.05 mg/m3) of American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists, but the average of potential inhalation dose was 0.001 mg/kg/day for worker's weight 55 kg, it was value higher than Acceptable Operator Exposure Limit (0.0005 mg/kg/day) and the calculation of Risk Quotient (RQ) was more than 1, it conditions was unacceptable for workers. Although, airborne Paraquat residue were safe, but potential inhalation dose and Risk Quotient (RQ) were unsafe for workers, cause it can be lead to lung function disorders. Therefore, for further studies it was necessary to assess the lung function of workers and the use of personal protective equipment must be completely and standard

Risk Factors Analysis of Herbicide Applicators (Case Study on Palm Oil Plantation PT. S Banyuasin District)

Background: Recently, herbicide used widely in agriculture and plantation areas to controlling weeds. The application of herbicide can have positive effects and negative impacts, if the application is not compliant can pollute the environment and cause health problems to workers. One of the health effects that may result is a decrease in hemoglobin level workers. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of anemia in oil palm plantations. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional; with a sample size is a total population of 40 respondents. Data collection were using questionnaires and measurement of hemoglobin level used to Hb meter. Result: The variables that were significantly associated with anemia that respiratory exposure, the use of personal protective equipment and decontamination after spraying, whereas the most dominant variables determine anemia that respiratory exposure and the use of personal protective equipment. Conclusion: Mayority of herbicide applicators experiencing anemia, anemia caused by several variables were respiratory exposure, the use of personal protective equipment, decontamination after spraying. As a result of direct exposure to herbicide causing active ingredients of herbicide absorbed into the body, so it accumulates in the body, and can affect the formation of hemoglobin in the body of workers. Therefore, recommended that the company provide personal protective equipment, special room for decontamination after spraying. In addition, it is necessary to improve knowledge and awareness of workers using personal protective equipment

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Dalam Deteksi Dini dan Upaya Pencegahan Hipertensi Melalui Peer Group Support

Hipertensi merupakan penyakit tidak menular yang mengalami peningkatan setiap tahun dan dikenal dengan penyakit silent killer. Penyakit ini menyerang semua tingkat usia namun yang paling banyak pada kelompok lanjut usia. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk mengedukasi dan pendampingan kelompok peduli hipertensi dengan metode peer group support sebagai upaya deteksi dini penyakit hipertensi dan meningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat sadar hipertensi. Metode Pengabdian yang digunakan adalah edukasi dan pendampingan pada kelompok peduli hipertensi dengan metode peer group support. Penyampaian materi dengan ceramah, diskusi, tanya jawab menggunakan media leafleat, poster, video dan mengajarkan cara deteksi dini gejala hipertensi. Kegiatan ini terbagi menjadi tiga tahap, yaitu tahap persiapan yaitu meliputi perizinan, analisis situasi, dan koordinasi dengan tokoh masyarakat setempat; tahap kedua adalah pelaksanaan yaitu pembentukan kelompok peduli hipertensi dan edukasi mengenai cara pencegahan hipertensi; tahap ketiga adalah monitoring dan evaluasi hasil kegiatan dengan mendamping kelompok peduli hipertensi kepada masyarakat disekitar lokasi kegiatan. Evaluasi dilakukan untuk mengetahui tingkat keberhasilan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat dengan melakukan observasi pada kegiatan yang telah dilakukan. Kegiatan ini berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan pengetahuan kelompok peduli hipertensi melalui peer group support, karena itu keberlanjutan dari kegiatan ini perlu difasilitasi oleh kader kesehatan dan petugas puskesmas. Hasil temuan dari kegiatan yang telah dilaksanakan yaitu kelompok peduli hipertensi mengikuti kegiatan dengan semangat dan mampu mengenali tanda, gejala dan bagaimana pencegahan hipertensi. Jumlah peserta yang menjadi kelompok peduli hipertensi sebanyak 20 orang yang diketua oleh ketua RT setempat. Hasil evaluasi saat proses kegiatan pada peserta kegiatan yaitu setiap mampu menjelaskan bagaimana cara pencegahan hipertensi dan berkomitmen untuk menciptakan Gerakan Masyarakat Sadar Hipertensi. Kegiatan ini berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan pengetahuan dan sikap kelompok peduli hipertensi dalam mengkampanyekan Gerakan Masyarakat Sadar Hipertensi (GERMASASI). Oleh karena itu, untuk keberlanjutan dari kegiatan ini perlu dilakukan monitoring dan evaluasi kegiatan oleh kader dan petugas puskesmas