Effectiveness of the habit of using mask and not using mask on the carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in public transportation workers in Bangkalan district

Abstract

Introduction: Air pollution is increasing due to industrial and transportation activities in the community. This has an impact on health problems, one of which is respiratory problems. Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the air pollutants resulting from incomplete combustion of transportation and can be harmful to the human body. The purpose of this study was to analyze the levels of carboxyhemoglobin (CoHb) and the effect of the habit of wearing a mask and not using a mask on COHb levels in public transportation workers in the Bangkalan district. Method: We used analytic observational with cross-sectional design. Respondents used in this study were public transportation workers who had the habit of wearing masks and not wearing masks in the Bangkalan district. COHb levels were checked using the Hinsberg Lang method by reading a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 414.2 nm with normal values for COHb levels < 3.5%. Results: There were 13% respondents who had the habit of using masks and smoking, 37% respondents were non-smokers and use masks. While respondents who did not have the habit of using masks and smoking were 27% and non-smokers were 23%. Respondents who smoked and used masks had an average COHb level of 8.56%, whereas those who did not smoke and used masks had an average COHb level of 6.50%. Respondents who smoked and did not use masks had an average COHb level of 9.36%, while those who did not smoke and did not use masks had average COHb levels of 8.08%. Bivariate analysis showed that COHb levels were higher in public transportation workers who did not use masks than those who used masks while working (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We discovered a correlation between the habit of wearing a mask and the levels of COHb in those who work in public transport in the Bangkalan District. The analysis of respondents' COHb levels based on the type of mask used and consideration of underlying disease should be done in future studies.