Exposure particulate matter (PM2.5) and health risk assessment on informal workers in landfill site, Indonesia

This study investigates the extent of informal workers' exposure to PM2.5 and the associated health risks in the landfill. The location of this investigation is a landfill, which is unique and characteristic of developing countries, especially in Indonesia. This research was conducted in landfills where few studies have been conducted. In location, many are informal workers and cows. Workers in the informal sector are continually exposed to dust for working. To assess air quality, a high volume air sampler and personal dust sampler was used to measure particulate matter concentrations for eight hours. Direct interviews with workers were conducted to determine the health effects of PM2.5 exposure. The PM2.5 concentration ranged from 87.5 to 1080 µg/m3, exceeding the threshold value. The real-time and lifetime Risk Quotients (RQ) were found to be RQ > 1, the risk of causing health problems, precisely 1.61 and 3.02, indicating that the hazard posed a substantial risk to the workers health. The health complaints of dust were cough (74.3%) and headache (84.6%). In addition, some respondents also reported symptoms of respiratory infections, such as eye irritation (12.8%), shortness of breath (12.8%) and chest tightness (28.2%). Respiratory infection symptoms such as cough, headache, eye irritation, breathlessness, and wheezing are significantly associated with informal workers exposed to dust. This study concludes that exposure to PM2.5 increases the health risks for landfill Informal workers. A risk management strategy is required to reduce risk to protect workers in the workplace.