Risk Assessment Of Ambient Air Pollution PM2.5 Exposure To Communities In The Cement Industrial Area, Pangkep Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: PM2.5 particles are significant problem and the most significant environmental health risk causing premature death. The study aims to assess the health risk analysis of PM2.5 exposure in the residential areas around the cement industry. Material and Methods: the study used a cross sectional study with an environmental health risk analysis approach. The population of the study were 827 households. The study applied inclusion criteria involving the selecting only one respondent from the same family, so there were 297 respondents from population target. The sample selection was calculated by Lemeshow formula and resulted 98 samples. The measurement PM2.5 located at intervals of 0-5 km from the source of primary pollution areas. The measurement of PM2.5 used HazDust Epam. Guideline standards from the Environmental Protection Agency were used to assess the risk of exposure to pollutants. Results: the average concentration of the southern zone is 60 µg/m3 , the northern zone is 40 µg/m3 , the eastern zone is 21.67 µg/m3 , and the western zone is 46.67 µg/m3 . The Risk Level (RQ) of Real-time PM2.5 intake is relatively safe with RQ<1; and intake lifetime risk is RQ>1; except for the eastern zone RQ<1. Conclusion: the result indicates that PM2.5 exceed the environmental quality standard according to WHO, which is > 10 µg/m3 from the pollution source. Risk Management recommends a safe concentration in the risk zone, proper environmental management and control efforts to reduce health risks in the affected resident.