Correlation of Toluene Safe Duration (Hours/Day) and Glutathione Concentration, Malondialdehyde and Neurotoxic Symptoms in Osowilangun Shoe Home Industry Workers

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure of toluene can cause a decrease in glutathione concentration, increase in
malondialdehyde and neurotoxic symptoms. The safe duration of toluene in hours/day for each person can
vary. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the safe duration of toluene (hours/
day) with the concentration of glutathione, malondialdehyde and neurotoxic symptoms in Osowilangun
shoe home industry workers.
Methods: This research was observational with quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. The
sampling technique used was accidental sampling with 25 respondents. The variables studied were safe
toluene duration (hours/day), glutathione concentration, malondialdehyde concentration, and neurotoxic
symptoms. Data were analyzed using Pearson and Phi correlation.
Result: The average of safe duration was 1,489 hours/day, glutathione concentration was 58,349 µg/L,
and malondialdehyde was 7,847 MU. As many as 11 out of 14 workers experienced neurotoxic symptoms.
The relationship between safe duration (hours/day) with glutathione concentration (r=0.139) and
malondialdehyde (r=-0.146) was very weak. While, the relationship between safe duration (hours/day) and
neurotoxic symptoms was weak (?=-0.223).
Conclusion: The relationship between safe duration in hours/day with glutathione concentration and
malondialdehyde was very weak, while relationship with neurotoxic symptoms was weak.