Relationship of Benzene Exposure with Blood Profile of Shoemaker in Central of Shoes Industry Wedoro (Home Industry)

Benzene is chemical components contained in glue which used in production of shoe and sandal that can also cause abnormality of the blood profile. Benzene exposure in the work environment is related to the individual characteristics and conditions of the environment.

The purpose of this study was to scrutinize the relationship between benzene exposure with blood profile. The study design was cross-sectional with observational research and the subjects were 15 workers. The independent variabel is benzene level in the air while the dependent variable was blood profile.

The results of benzene level measurement in the air with the maximum level was 37, 1362 ppm. The average level of haemoglobin in blood was 12, 667 g/dL; Eritrosit 5, 1173 10⁶/mm³; Hematokrit 43, 4400%; MCV 85, 1333 μm³; MCH 24, 8800 pg; MCHC 29, 0800 g/dL; Leukosit 7, 2400 10³/mm³; Trombosit 263, 6 10³/mm³. The result of Pearson correlation found that significant relation exist between working hours (hour/day) with eritrosit (p = 0, 012) and MCH (p = 0, 012). Spearman rank test found that significant relation exist between benzene level in the air with MCV (p = 0, 023) and MCH (p = 0, 019).

Based on the result, it is necessary to consider of having gradual change of the glue, optimizing the ventilation, applying 5R principles in the workplace, providing the plantation to reduce the benzene vapor in the working environment, conducting a separated room from the working place to take some rest, and providing the workers with personal protective equipment.