<![CDATA[Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with the potential to contaminate the environment, particularly in landfill sites using open dumping systems, such as the Sukawinatan Landfill in Palembang. This study aims to measure Cd levels in scavengers’ hair as an indicator of heavy metal exposure. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in January 2024, with hair samples collected from five respondents using purposive sampling techniques. Cd levels were measured using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method. The results showed that Cd levels in the scavengers' hair ranged from 0.31 to 0.99 ppm, exceeding the normal limit set which is <0.10 ppm. The duration of work as a scavenger was identified as the dominant factor influencing Cd levels, although anomalies were observed in younger scavengers with high exposure intensity. These findings suggest that the working environment at the landfill significantly contributes to the accumulation of Cd in the body. This study provides preliminary insights into the health risks faced by scavengers at the Sukawinatan Landfill, which can serve as a basis for developing policies and mitigation measures to improve scavengers' occupational health and safety.]]>
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