Analysis of Physical Quality of Shoe Production Rooms and Benzene Levels in the Air and Complaints of Shoe Craftsmen in the Home Shoe Industry in Medan Area and Medan Denai Medan City in 2017
Introduction
The home shoe industry is a significant sector in small and medium industries that contribute to shoe production. However, the physical quality of the production room, including aspects such as ventilation, temperature, and humidity, greatly affects the level of exposure to hazardous substances, such as benzene, contained in shoe glue. Exposure to benzene can trigger various health complaints in shoe craftsmen. This study aims to analyze the physical quality of shoe production rooms, benzene content in the air, as well as health complaints experienced by shoe craftsmen in Medan Area and Medan Denai District, Medan City, in 2017.
Background
The home shoe industry is a vital sector in the economy, providing employment opportunities for many people. However, the working conditions in this industry are often neglected, leading to exposure to hazardous substances and health complaints among workers. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause various health problems, including respiratory issues, nervous system damage, and eye irritation. The physical quality of the production room, including ventilation, temperature, and humidity, plays a crucial role in determining the level of exposure to benzene.
Methodology
This study used a descriptive survey method with a sample size of 47 people, using the total sampling technique. The respondents were shoe craftsmen working in two home shoe industries in Medan Area and Medan Denai District, Medan City. The data collection instrument consisted of a questionnaire that gathered information on the physical quality of the production room, benzene content in the air, and health complaints experienced by the respondents.
Research Result
The results of this study showed that the majority of respondents were under 35 years (51.1%) and had worked for less than 5 years (59.6%). In addition, around 66.0% of respondents work more than 10 hours every day, and 63.8% of them are smokers who consume more than 10 cigarettes per day. Meanwhile, 72.3% of respondents were involved in the process of applying glue.
The measurement of benzene content was carried out at seven points, with the highest results found at point V (2,834 ppm) and point VI (2,365 ppm). The ventilation conditions in the production room were less than 10% of the floor area, with temperatures ranging from 31.3 ° C to 32.3 ° C and humidity between 63.3% to 69.2%.
In terms of health, as many as 19 people (40.4%) craftsmen experienced respiratory complaints, 34 people (72.3%) experienced complaints of the nervous system, and 26 people (55.3%) reported complaints of eye irritation.
Conclusion
From this study, it can be concluded that the benzene levels detected in two home shoe industries in Medan Area District and Medan Denai have exceeded the specified threshold value (NAB). In addition, the physical quality of the production room, including ventilation, temperature, and humidity, does not meet the necessary standards.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:
Shoe craftsmen should rearrange work positions so that those who apply glue can be closer to the source of ventilation. This is expected to reduce the level of benzene exposure and improve the health conditions of workers in the long run.
Authorities and stakeholders should pay attention to improving working conditions in the home shoe industry, including providing proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control.
Regular monitoring of benzene levels in the air and health complaints among workers should be conducted to ensure a safe working environment.
Implications
The results of this study have implications for the home shoe industry, authorities, and stakeholders. The findings highlight the need for improved working conditions, including proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control, to reduce the level of benzene exposure and health complaints among workers. The study also emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of benzene levels in the air and health complaints among workers to ensure a safe working environment.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in only two home shoe industries in Medan Area and Medan Denai District, Medan City. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and conduct the study in multiple locations to ensure generalizability of the findings.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on exploring the effects of benzene exposure on the health of shoe craftsmen, including the development of strategies to reduce benzene levels in the air and improve working conditions in the home shoe industry. Additionally, studies should investigate the role of authorities and stakeholders in improving working conditions in the home shoe industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of improving working conditions in the home shoe industry, including proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control, to reduce the level of benzene exposure and health complaints among workers. The findings of this study have implications for the home shoe industry, authorities, and stakeholders, and emphasize the need for regular monitoring of benzene levels in the air and health complaints among workers to ensure a safe working environment.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Analysis of Physical Quality of Shoe Production Rooms and Benzene Levels in the Air and Complaints of Shoe Craftsmen in the Home Shoe Industry in Medan Area and Medan Denai Medan City in 2017
Q: What is the purpose of this study?
A: The purpose of this study is to analyze the physical quality of shoe production rooms, benzene content in the air, and health complaints experienced by shoe craftsmen in Medan Area and Medan Denai District, Medan City, in 2017.
Q: What are the main findings of this study?
A: The main findings of this study are that the benzene levels detected in two home shoe industries in Medan Area District and Medan Denai have exceeded the specified threshold value (NAB). In addition, the physical quality of the production room, including ventilation, temperature, and humidity, does not meet the necessary standards.
Q: What are the health complaints experienced by shoe craftsmen?
A: The health complaints experienced by shoe craftsmen include respiratory issues, nervous system damage, and eye irritation.
Q: What are the recommendations of this study?
A: The recommendations of this study are that shoe craftsmen should rearrange work positions so that those who apply glue can be closer to the source of ventilation. Additionally, authorities and stakeholders should pay attention to improving working conditions in the home shoe industry, including providing proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: The implications of this study are that the findings highlight the need for improved working conditions, including proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control, to reduce the level of benzene exposure and health complaints among workers. The study also emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of benzene levels in the air and health complaints among workers to ensure a safe working environment.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: The limitations of this study are that the sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in only two home shoe industries in Medan Area and Medan Denai District, Medan City.
Q: What are the future research directions?
A: The future research directions are to explore the effects of benzene exposure on the health of shoe craftsmen, including the development of strategies to reduce benzene levels in the air and improve working conditions in the home shoe industry.
Q: What are the recommendations for authorities and stakeholders?
A: The recommendations for authorities and stakeholders are to pay attention to improving working conditions in the home shoe industry, including providing proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control. Additionally, regular monitoring of benzene levels in the air and health complaints among workers should be conducted to ensure a safe working environment.
Q: What are the benefits of this study?
A: The benefits of this study are that it highlights the importance of improving working conditions in the home shoe industry, including proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control, to reduce the level of benzene exposure and health complaints among workers. The study also emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of benzene levels in the air and health complaints among workers to ensure a safe working environment.
Q: What are the potential applications of this study?
A: The potential applications of this study are that it can be used to inform policies and regulations related to working conditions in the home shoe industry. Additionally, the study can be used to develop strategies to reduce benzene levels in the air and improve working conditions in the home shoe industry.
Q: What are the potential future studies?
A: The potential future studies are to explore the effects of benzene exposure on the health of shoe craftsmen, including the development of strategies to reduce benzene levels in the air and improve working conditions in the home shoe industry. Additionally, studies can be conducted to investigate the role of authorities and stakeholders in improving working conditions in the home shoe industry.