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All Journal Narra J Kesmas: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Nasional (National Public Health Journal)
Thetkathuek, Anamai
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Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

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Journal : Narra J

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Urinary level of 1,2-dichloroethane and its effects on blood biochemical markers among outdoor workers exposed to air pollution in Thailand Thetkathuek, Anamai; Kongsombatsuk, Marissa; Nakyai, Teeranun; Polyong, Chan P.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1055

Abstract

Air contamination by 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) is recognized as a threat across countries. Addressing this problem is challenging due to the absence of clearly defined biological standards for monitoring 1,2-DCE exposure among humans. Moreover, studies on the impacts of 1,2-DCE exposure on human health are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the level of 1,2-DCE in urine—separated into the health behavior and occupation groups—as well as its effects on blood biochemicals among overall 200 outdoor workers, with 50 working in each of the following four occupations: fishers, street vendors, public bus drivers, and traffic police in an environmentally polluted community in Thailand. The subject’s behaviors were categorized into four groups: desirable health behaviors (non-smokers and non-drinkers), non-smokers who consume alcohol, smokers who do not consume alcohol, and undesirable health behaviors (frequent smokers and alcohol consumers). Data were collected at the end of the workday using interview forms, urine, and blood samples. Urine was analyzed for 1,2-DCE, and blood was analyzed for complete blood count (CBC), liver, and kidney function enzymes. Data were analyzed using the Dunnett’s test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and independent sample t-test according to statistical conditions. Our findings revealed that the median urinary 1,2-DCE level was 0.080 mg/L (0.022–0.462 mg/L). Subjects with undesirable health behaviors had a significantly higher urinary 1,2-DCE level (0.108 mg/L) compared to those with desirable health behaviors (0.056 mg/L), with a p-value of 0.009. Among bus drivers and local fishers, the dose of exposure was strongly associated with creatinine levels (p=0.006). No significant association was observed between exposure dose and CBC across all groups. In conclusion, the urinary samples present a small variation in 1,2-DCE concentrations and thus can be used as a benchmark baseline value for monitoring exposure among outdoor workers in areas with intense air pollution. Kidney function markers can be considered in monitoring the health effects of 1,2-DCE.
Neurocognitive consequences of occupational heavy metal exposure among electronic waste sorting workers in Thailand Harasarn, Kornwika; Keawkaen, Practhaya; Thetkathuek, Anamai
Narra J Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): April 2026
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v6i1.2994

Abstract

Electronic waste sorting workers in Thailand are chronically exposed to heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni), in informal work settings characterized by limited use of personal protective equipment and suboptimal hygiene practices. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between heavy metal exposure, individual risk factors, and neuropsychological performance among workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 76 exposed workers and 49 non-exposed controls. Data were collected using structured interviews, surface wipe sampling of workplace dust for Pb, Cd, and Ni, and blood metal measurements. Neuropsychological function was assessed using the Digit Span Forward Test (DSFT) and Digit Span Backward Test (DSBT). The mean ages of the exposed and non-exposed groups were 47.39±12.64 and 49.92±8.46 years, respectively. Surface dust concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni were significantly higher in the exposed group than in controls (all p<0.001). In contrast, blood metal concentrations did not differ between groups (Pb: 6.41±1.49 vs 6.41±1.62µg/dL, p=0.885; Cd: 0.97±0.39 vs 0.91±0.28µg/L, p=0.501; Ni: 2.60±0.48 vs 2.52±0.45µg/L, p=0.689). No significant difference was observed in DSFT scores between groups (p=0.912). However, DSBT scores differed significantly (p<0.001), with the exposed group scoring higher (2.23±0.55) than the non-exposed group (1.72±0.39). Among exposed workers, simple linear regression identified education (β=0.353, p=0.002), income (β=0.257, p=0.025), age (β=-0.236, p=0.041), and alcohol consumption (β=-0.231, p=0.044) as significant predictors of DSFT performance. However, DSBT scores differed significantly (p<0.001). Drinking alcohol, smoking, Pb in dust, and working area size were significant predictors of DSBT performance (p=0.020, 0.022, 0.013, and <0.001, respectively). These findings indicate that cognitive performance among Thai informal e-waste workers is more strongly influenced by socioeconomic factors and surface lead contamination than by blood metal levels. Interventions focusing on education, income support, and routine workplace surface cleaning, supported by surface-based environmental monitoring and community health volunteers, are critical for protecting cognitive health in this vulnerable population.
Co-Authors Harasarn, Kornwika Keawkaen, Practhaya Kongsombatsuk, Marissa Nakyai, Teeranun Polyong, Chan P. Polyong, Chan Pattama