Effect of limestone dust exposure on lung physiology decline and increase of interleukin6 level of blood serum of limestone processing workers in Kesamben village, Plumpang sub-district of Tuban Regency

Limestone produces silica dust long time exposure with dust exposure size as big as 3-5mg/m3 can cause inflammatory reactions due to increase of IL-6 serum level and decline in lung function. The approach used in this research was across sectional. Measurement of lung function and IL-6 level of serum performed after they worked (case group) and district officers (control group). The total sample was 18 respondents divided into 9 sample case group that works in the processing of limestone and 9 samples of the control group who work in health centers. The sample was taken randomly and based on the inclusion criteria. The measurements used PDS for limestone dust exposure, lung function measurement (FVC and FEV1) used aspirometer (SpirolabIII), and measurement ofIL-6 levels of blood serum used ELISA technique. Characteristics of respondents include, age and length of work. The results of regression test analysis showed that limestone dust exposure significantly affected the increase inIL-6 levels of serum (p <0.05) but not for the decline in lung function. Physical activity and the immune system of each individual were a factor that could affect the respiratory symptoms due to increased levels of IL-6 serum so the decrease of lung function after working 6 was not happened. The use of personal protective equipment such as Air Purifying Respirator Non-power types (NAPR) is important to prevent ingress of dust resulting from the processing of limestone.