An Overview Of Indoor Air Pollution By Formaldehyde Gas And Complaints Of Irritation In Household Garment Industry Workers In Tegal Sari III Village, Medan Area District In 2005

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Introduction

Indoor air pollution is a significant concern in various industries, including the household garment industry. Formaldehyde gas, a textile preservative, is commonly used in this industry, but its exposure can cause irritation and health problems. This study aims to reveal the picture of indoor air pollution by formaldehyde gas and complaints of irritation experienced by workers in the home garment industry in Tegal Sari III Village, Medan Area District.

Background

The household garment industry in Tegal Sari III Village, Medan Area District, employs a significant number of workers who are at risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas. This gas is used to preserve textiles and prevent shrinkage, but its exposure can cause eye irritation, upper respiratory tract irritation, and other health problems. The Indonesian Ministry of Health has set a safe limit for formaldehyde gas exposure, which is not exceeding 120 µg/m³.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive survey method involving 80 workers from 8 household industries as a sample. The results showed the level of formaldehyde gas in most industries exceeding the safe limit set by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The following details the formaldehyde gas content in each industry:

  • Industry A: 99.8 µg/m³
  • Industry B: 54.9 µg/m³
  • Industry C: 92.5 µg/m³
  • Industry D: 86.7 µg/m³
  • Industry E: 66.5 µg/m³
  • Industry F: 68 µg/m³
  • Industry G: 144.6 µg/m³
  • Industry H: 69.4 µg/m³

Results

The results showed that 78.8% of workers experienced complaints of irritation, while 21.1% did not experience complaints. Complaints of irritation experienced by respondents include eye irritation and upper respiratory tract irritation, such as:

  • Painful and sneezing eyes
  • Painful eyes and nasal congestion
  • Painful eyes and uncomfortable odors from formaldehyde gas
  • Painful eyes and dry throat
  • Itchy eyes and uncomfortable odors from formaldehyde gas
  • Itchy eyes and dry throat
  • Watery and sneezing eyes
  • Watery eyes and nasal congestion
  • Watery eyes and uncomfortable smell of formaldehyde gas

Discussion

The high level of complaints of irritation shows that indoor air pollution by formaldehyde gas in the household garment industry in Tegal Sari III Village, Medan Area District, has a significant impact on workers' health. This condition can potentially interfere with work productivity and cause long-term diseases. The results also showed that only industries A, B, C, D, E, F, and H meet the health requirements, while industry G does not meet the requirements because formaldehyde gas content exceeds the safe limit.

Solution to Solve Problems

This study recommends that the Garment RumahTangga Industry entrepreneur in Tegal Sari III Village, Medan Area District, pay attention to the health environment of its workers. Some efforts that can be made to reduce the risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas and improving the health of the work environment include:

Improve Ventilation

Good ventilation can help reduce the concentration of formaldehyde gas in the room. This can be achieved by installing ventilation systems or improving natural ventilation through windows and doors.

Use of Environmentally Friendly Raw Materials

Using textile raw materials that have low formaldehyde levels or formaldehyde-free can reduce the risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas.

The Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Providing and requiring the use of personal protective equipment such as masks and protective glasses for workers can help reduce the risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas.

Socialization and Education

Providing education and socialization to workers about the dangers of formaldehyde gas and the importance of maintaining the health of the work environment can help raise awareness and prevent exposure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, indoor air pollution by formaldehyde gas in the garment industry in the household in Tegal Sari III, Medan Area District is a serious problem that has an impact on the health of the workers. Increasing awareness and preventive measures from the entrepreneur is very important to protect the health of workers and ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • The Garment RumahTangga Industry entrepreneur in Tegal Sari III Village, Medan Area District, should pay attention to the health environment of its workers.
  • The use of environmentally friendly raw materials and personal protective equipment should be implemented.
  • Socialization and education programs should be conducted to raise awareness about the dangers of formaldehyde gas and the importance of maintaining the health of the work environment.
  • The government should establish regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe use of formaldehyde gas in the garment industry.

Limitations

This study has some limitations, including:

  • The sample size is limited to 80 workers from 8 household industries.
  • The study only focuses on the household garment industry in Tegal Sari III Village, Medan Area District.
  • The study does not investigate the long-term effects of formaldehyde gas exposure on workers' health.

Future Research

Future research should investigate the long-term effects of formaldehyde gas exposure on workers' health and explore the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing the risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas. Additionally, research should be conducted to investigate the use of alternative textile preservatives that are safer for workers and the environment.

Q: What is formaldehyde gas?

A: Formaldehyde gas is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a textile preservative in the garment industry. It is used to prevent shrinkage and wrinkles in fabrics.

Q: What are the health effects of formaldehyde gas exposure?

A: Exposure to formaldehyde gas can cause eye irritation, upper respiratory tract irritation, and other health problems. Prolonged exposure can also lead to long-term diseases such as cancer and respiratory problems.

Q: How common is indoor air pollution by formaldehyde gas in the household garment industry?

A: Indoor air pollution by formaldehyde gas is a significant concern in the household garment industry. According to our study, 78.8% of workers in the industry experienced complaints of irritation due to formaldehyde gas exposure.

Q: What are the recommended solutions to reduce the risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas?

A: The recommended solutions to reduce the risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas include:

  • Improving ventilation in the workplace
  • Using environmentally friendly raw materials
  • Providing and requiring the use of personal protective equipment
  • Conducting socialization and education programs to raise awareness about the dangers of formaldehyde gas

Q: Can formaldehyde gas exposure be prevented?

A: Yes, formaldehyde gas exposure can be prevented by implementing the recommended solutions mentioned above. Additionally, using alternative textile preservatives that are safer for workers and the environment can also help prevent exposure.

Q: What are the long-term effects of formaldehyde gas exposure on workers' health?

A: The long-term effects of formaldehyde gas exposure on workers' health are not well understood and require further research. However, it is known that prolonged exposure to formaldehyde gas can lead to long-term diseases such as cancer and respiratory problems.

Q: What can be done to raise awareness about the dangers of formaldehyde gas?

A: Raising awareness about the dangers of formaldehyde gas can be done through socialization and education programs. These programs can be conducted by the government, industry associations, and other stakeholders to educate workers and employers about the risks associated with formaldehyde gas exposure.

Q: What are the regulations and guidelines for the safe use of formaldehyde gas in the garment industry?

A: The regulations and guidelines for the safe use of formaldehyde gas in the garment industry vary by country and region. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health has set a safe limit for formaldehyde gas exposure, which is not exceeding 120 µg/m³.

Q: What are the future research directions for indoor air pollution by formaldehyde gas in the household garment industry?

A: Future research directions for indoor air pollution by formaldehyde gas in the household garment industry include:

  • Investigating the long-term effects of formaldehyde gas exposure on workers' health
  • Exploring the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing the risk of exposure to formaldehyde gas
  • Investigating the use of alternative textile preservatives that are safer for workers and the environment

Q: What can be done to protect workers' health and ensure a safe and healthy work environment?

A: Protecting workers' health and ensuring a safe and healthy work environment can be done by implementing the recommended solutions mentioned above, raising awareness about the dangers of formaldehyde gas, and enforcing regulations and guidelines for the safe use of formaldehyde gas in the garment industry.