Heavy metals level and health effects in industrial area community

Background: Surabaya has many activities related to industry and transportation that creates emission of air pollutants which will create some negative effects to environment and human health. This research aimed to analyze the risk of air heavy metals level and health effects of community in industrial area. Method: This research was an observational study with cross sectional design. Research sample was 20 respondents who lived in industrial area. Data collection was using questionnaire and observation form, analyzed using environmental health risk assessment to identify the risk of heavy metals exposure. Independent variables were Pb and Cd air level, Pb and Cd blood level, sex, age, body weight, and length of stay, whereas dependent variable was health complaints. Results: The results showed that Pb and Cd air level, Cd blood level were within the normal range. Twenty five percent of respondents have Pb blood level close to the threshold limit. Respondents with 60.55 kg weight average were safe around industrial area if the air velocity was 0.83 m3/hour, in 24 hour/day, average of time in 350 days/year for the next 30 years the Pb air level will not pass 0.000493 mg/m3 (RQ < 1). The majority of health complaints were tingling sensation, cramps and bone pain. Conclusion: It is concluded that risk quotient of Pb exposure around industrial area were in low risk. This research provides an analysis of air heavy metals threshold limit in industrial area. It is suggested that people should have preventive action to minimize health effects.