Relationship between Benzene Concentrations with Erythrocyte, Hemoglobin, and Health Complaints of Workers in Surabaya Printing Industry

Abstract

Printing industry uses a lot of raw materials that contain benzene in the production process. Exposure to
benzene can cause haematological effects that affect the production of blood cells. The purpose of this
study was to determine the relationship between benzene concentrations with erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and
health complaints among workers in Surabaya Printing Industry. This research was conducted in Printing
X Surabaya. This research is observational, quantitative approach, and cross-sectional. The respondents in
this study were 19 people. The variables studied were the concentration of benzene in the air, erythrocytes,
hemoglobin, and health complaints among workers at Printing X Surabaya. Data analysis using Spearman
rank correlation test. Measurement of the concentration of benzene in the air exceeds the Threshold Limit
Value. There were 5 respondents had erythrocyte level above the normal and 1 respondent had hemoglobin
level below the normal. There was a quite significant and positive relationship between the concentration
of benzene in the air and erythrocytes (p=0.033). But there was no significant relationship between the
concentration of benzene in the air and hemoglobin (p=0.158). Health complaints experienced by workers
in Printing X Surabaya included coughing, headaches, and shortness of breath. There is a fairly strong
relationship between benzene concentrations and erythrocytes but there is no relationship between benzene
concentration and hemoglobin.