Relationship between Benzene Exposure with Anemia in Printing Industrial Workers in Medan City in 2018

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 61 views

Relationship between Benzene Exposure with Anemia in Printing Industrial Workers in Medan City in 2018

Introduction

The printing industry in Medan City is a significant contributor to the local economy, employing thousands of workers in various roles. However, the industry's reliance on chemicals, including benzene, poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of its workers. Benzene, an organic compound used as an ink solvent, is a known carcinogen and has been linked to various health problems, including anemia. This study aims to investigate the relationship between benzene exposure and anemia among printing industry workers in Medan City in 2018.

Background

Benzene is a volatile organic compound that is widely used in the printing industry as an ink solvent. Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to various health problems, including anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and can increase the risk of infections and other health complications.

Methodology

This study employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional research design. A total of 50 workers from the printing industry in Medan City were selected as samples through consecutive sampling techniques. The data was analyzed using bivariate analysis with the Chi-Square test, as well as multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression tests.

Results

The results of this study showed that 17 out of 50 workers experienced anemia. The Chi-Square test revealed a significant relationship between the duration of benzene exposure and the incidence of anemia (p = 0.001) and benzene levels in the blood and anemia (p = 0.016). The multiple logistic regression test showed that benzene content was the most influential factor in the risk of anemia, with an odds ratio of 74.6%.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that benzene exposure is a significant risk factor for anemia among printing industry workers in Medan City. The results of the Chi-Square test and multiple logistic regression test indicate that the duration of benzene exposure and benzene levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk of anemia. The odds ratio of 74.6% suggests that workers with higher benzene exposure levels are more likely to experience anemia.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of benzene exposure as a risk factor for anemia among printing industry workers in Medan City. The findings of this study have several implications for the printing industry, including the need for workers to be aware of the importance of maintaining health and using personal protective equipment (PPE) during the production process. Printing owners are advised to provide PPE that are in accordance with the potential hazards at the workplace and implement a work rotation system to reduce the duration of exposure to each worker. Policy makers, especially the Department of Manpower, need to prepare strict policies and supervision related to potential health hazards in the printing industry.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, several recommendations are made:

Awareness and education: Workers in the printing industry are expected to have a higher awareness of the importance of maintaining health by using personal protective equipment (PPE) during the production process.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Printing owners are advised to provide PPE that are in accordance with the potential hazards at the workplace.
Work rotation system: Printing owners are advised to implement a work rotation system to reduce the duration of exposure to each worker.
Policy and supervision: Policy makers, especially the Department of Manpower, need to prepare strict policies and supervision related to potential health hazards in the printing industry.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and employ a longitudinal design to investigate the relationship between benzene exposure and anemia among printing industry workers.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the relationship between benzene exposure and anemia among printing industry workers in other cities and countries. Additionally, studies should aim to investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing benzene exposure and anemia among printing industry workers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of benzene exposure as a risk factor for anemia among printing industry workers in Medan City. The findings of this study have several implications for the printing industry, including the need for workers to be aware of the importance of maintaining health and using personal protective equipment (PPE) during the production process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Benzene Exposure and Anemia in Printing Industrial Workers

Q: What is benzene and how is it used in the printing industry?

A: Benzene is an organic compound that is widely used in the printing industry as an ink solvent. It is a volatile and flammable liquid that is used to dissolve and mix with other chemicals to create inks and coatings.

Q: What are the health risks associated with benzene exposure?

A: Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to various health problems, including anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and can increase the risk of infections and other health complications.

Q: What is anemia and how is it related to benzene exposure?

A: Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Benzene exposure has been linked to anemia, as it can damage the bone marrow and reduce the production of red blood cells.

Q: What are the symptoms of anemia?

A: The symptoms of anemia can include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and dizziness. In severe cases, anemia can lead to more serious health complications, such as heart problems and infections.

Q: How can benzene exposure be prevented in the printing industry?

A: Benzene exposure can be prevented in the printing industry by using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eye protection. Workers should also be trained on how to handle and dispose of benzene safely.

Q: What are the recommendations for printing owners and policy makers to reduce benzene exposure and anemia among printing industry workers?

A: Printing owners are advised to provide PPE that are in accordance with the potential hazards at the workplace and implement a work rotation system to reduce the duration of exposure to each worker. Policy makers, especially the Department of Manpower, need to prepare strict policies and supervision related to potential health hazards in the printing industry.

Q: What are the limitations of this study and what are the future research directions?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and employ a longitudinal design to investigate the relationship between benzene exposure and anemia among printing industry workers.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the printing industry and workers?

A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of benzene exposure as a risk factor for anemia among printing industry workers. The study's recommendations for printing owners and policy makers aim to reduce benzene exposure and anemia among printing industry workers.

Q: What can workers do to protect themselves from benzene exposure and anemia?

A: Workers can protect themselves from benzene exposure and anemia by using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eye protection. They should also be trained on how to handle and dispose of benzene safely.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of benzene exposure and anemia?

A: The long-term consequences of benzene exposure and anemia can include increased risk of infections, heart problems, and other health complications. In severe cases, anemia can lead to more serious health complications, such as organ failure and death.

Q: What are the economic implications of benzene exposure and anemia in the printing industry?

A: The economic implications of benzene exposure and anemia in the printing industry can include increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and decreased worker morale.