Implement good ventilation systems

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 130 views

Relationship of Dust Levels and Characteristics of Workers with Lung Disorders in the 2002 Pharmaceutical Industry Tablet Production Unit

Introduction

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most significant contributors to the global economy, producing essential medicines that improve human health and well-being. However, the production process of these medicines can pose significant health risks to workers, particularly those involved in tablet production. The Pharmacy Industry X, a leading pharmaceutical company, has a tablet production unit with 48 workers who are exposed to various health hazards, including dust. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dust levels and the characteristics of workers with lung disorders in the 2002 Pharmaceutical Industry Tablet production unit.

Background

The pharmaceutical industry is a high-risk sector for occupational health hazards, particularly dust exposure. The raw materials used in tablet production, such as powders and flours, can generate dust during the manufacturing process. This dust, especially fine dust (respirable dust), can enter the lungs and cause health problems, including lung function disorders, if exposed for a long time. The safe limit of dust content in the air, as specified by the Circular of the Minister of Manpower No. 01/Men/1997, is no more than 3 mg/m3.

Methodology

This study employed an analytical descriptive method with a cross-sectional study approach to analyze the relationship between dust levels and the characteristics of workers with lung disorders in the 2002 Pharmaceutical Industry Tablet production unit. The population and sample of the study consisted of all workers in the Tablet Production Unit (48 people). Dust levels and workers' characteristics were bivarily analyzed to see the relationship between dependent variables (lung disorders) and independent variables (dust levels, age, sex, work period, and smoking habits). Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square (χ2) test.

Results

The results of the measurement of dust content in various production areas, such as weighing rooms, mixing, printing, granulation, drying, lubricating, and packaging, indicate that dust levels exceed the safe limit (NAB> 3 mg/m3). The characteristics of workers, including age, sex, work period, and smoking habits, were also analyzed. The findings show that most workers were over 25 years old (81.2%), consisting of men and women with a balanced amount (50% each), had a working period of more than 2 years (87.5%), and more who do not smoke (93.75%).

Discussion

The chi-square test results show that there is no significant relationship between dust, age, sex, and smoking habits with worker lung disorders. However, there is a significant relationship between work period and lung function disorders (p = 0.034). These results indicate that dust exposure for a long time, exceeding the safe limit (3 mg/m3), can cause lung function disorders. Therefore, it is essential to apply preventive measures to reduce the risk of lung disorders in workers.

Conclusion

The application of consistent and effective prevention steps can help reduce the risk of lung disorders in workers in the Pharmaceutical Industry Tablet Production Unit X. The following preventive measures are recommended:

*** Good ventilation settings: Adequate ventilation systems can help reduce the concentration of dust in the air. *** Dust collector (Dust Collector): The use of dust suction devices can help capture dust in the air before reaching the worker's lungs. *** The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Respirators, protective glasses, and gloves can help protect workers from dust exposure. *** EDUCATION AND EXERCISE: Increasing awareness and understanding of workers about the dangers of dust exposure and the use of the right PPE is very important. *** Periodic health checks: Periodic health checks can detect early lung function disorders in workers and assist in early treatment.

Recommendations

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

Implement good ventilation systems: The company should install adequate ventilation systems to reduce the concentration of dust in the air.
Use dust collectors: The use of dust suction devices can help capture dust in the air before reaching the worker's lungs.
Provide personal protective equipment: The company should provide respirators, protective glasses, and gloves to protect workers from dust exposure.
Conduct education and training programs: The company should conduct education and training programs to increase awareness and understanding of workers about the dangers of dust exposure and the use of the right PPE.
Conduct periodic health checks: The company should conduct periodic health checks to detect early lung function disorders in workers and assist in early treatment.

By implementing these preventive measures, the risk of lung disorders in workers in the Pharmaceutical Industry Tablet Production Unit X can be reduced, and the health and well-being of workers can be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dust Exposure and Lung Disorders in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Introduction

Dust exposure is a significant occupational health hazard in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in tablet production units. The risks associated with dust exposure can lead to lung function disorders, which can have severe consequences for workers' health and well-being. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dust exposure and lung disorders in the pharmaceutical industry.

Q&A

Q1: What is dust exposure, and how does it affect workers' health?

A1: Dust exposure occurs when workers inhale dust particles, which can enter the lungs and cause health problems, including lung function disorders. Prolonged exposure to dust can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Q2: What are the common sources of dust in the pharmaceutical industry?

A2: Common sources of dust in the pharmaceutical industry include:

Raw materials, such as powders and flours
Manufacturing processes, such as grinding, mixing, and granulation
Packaging materials, such as paper and plastic

Q3: What are the symptoms of lung function disorders caused by dust exposure?

A3: Symptoms of lung function disorders caused by dust exposure may include:

Coughing and wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue
Weight loss

Q4: How can workers protect themselves from dust exposure?

A4: Workers can protect themselves from dust exposure by:

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, protective glasses, and gloves
Using dust collectors and ventilation systems
Following proper manufacturing and handling procedures
Participating in regular health checks and monitoring

Q5: What are the consequences of ignoring dust exposure in the pharmaceutical industry?

A5: Ignoring dust exposure in the pharmaceutical industry can lead to:

Increased risk of lung function disorders and other respiratory diseases
Decreased productivity and increased absenteeism
Higher healthcare costs and workers' compensation claims
Negative impact on company reputation and brand image

Q6: What are the recommended preventive measures to reduce dust exposure in the pharmaceutical industry?

A6: Recommended preventive measures to reduce dust exposure in the pharmaceutical industry include:

Implementing good ventilation systems
Using dust collectors and suction devices
Providing PPE and training workers on its use
Conducting regular health checks and monitoring
Educating workers about the risks of dust exposure and the importance of proper handling and manufacturing procedures

Q7: How can companies ensure compliance with dust exposure regulations and standards?

A7: Companies can ensure compliance with dust exposure regulations and standards by:

Conducting regular risk assessments and monitoring
Implementing control measures to reduce dust exposure
Providing training and education to workers
Maintaining accurate records and reporting
Participating in regular audits and inspections

Q8: What are the benefits of implementing dust exposure prevention measures in the pharmaceutical industry?

A8: Benefits of implementing dust exposure prevention measures in the pharmaceutical industry include:

Improved worker health and well-being
Increased productivity and reduced absenteeism
Lower healthcare costs and workers' compensation claims
Positive impact on company reputation and brand image
Compliance with regulations and standards

By addressing these FAQs, we hope to provide a better understanding of the risks associated with dust exposure in the pharmaceutical industry and the importance of implementing preventive measures to reduce these risks.