Improvement of working conditions

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 107 views

Characteristics of Pulmonary Physiology and Carbon Monoxide Content in Basement Parking Workers in Medan City

Introduction

Air pollution has become a serious problem that affects various aspects of human health, including the respiratory system. The increasing number of motorized vehicles in cities like Medan has led to widespread air pollution, posing a significant risk to the health of individuals, particularly those working in high-risk environments such as basement parking areas. This study aims to provide an overview of the condition of pulmonary physiology and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in parking workers in the basement, which is one of the sectors most vulnerable to air pollution.

The Importance of Pulmonary Physiology and Carbon Monoxide Content

Pulmonary physiology plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the respiratory system. It involves the evaluation of lung function, including the capacity to inhale and exhale air, as well as the efficiency of gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that can cause serious health problems, including dizziness, fatigue, and even more severe risks such as cognitive function disorders. Exposure to high levels of CO can also lead to long-term health risks, such as a decrease in respiratory capacity that can result in chronic lung disease.

Research Methods

This study employed a descriptive research design involving 33 workers who work in the basement parking area. The measurement of pulmonary physiology was carried out using a spirometry to evaluate the function of the lungs. In addition, blood pressure measurements and oxygen saturation were also conducted, accompanied by measurement of CO levels in expiration using a micro portable smokerlyzer. This measurement was carried out before and after working hours, and the CO level measurement was carried out in the work environment.

Research Results

The results showed that 51.5% of parking workers had pulmonary physiology characterized by restriction patterns. Of these, 15.2% experienced moderate restrictions, while 36.4% experienced mild restrictions. In addition, 3% of parking workers also showed obstruction abnormalities. In terms of carbon monoxide content, 60.6% of workers had CO levels between 7-10 ppm, while 39.4% of workers showed an increase in CO levels in the range of 11-25 ppm.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This finding is very significant because it shows the negative impact of exposure to air pollution, especially for workers who are in the environment with high concentrations of motor vehicles. Excess levels of carbon monoxide in the blood can cause various health problems, such as dizziness, fatigue, and even more serious risks such as cognitive function disorders. In addition, lung physiology that occurs in most workers shows a long-term health risk that needs to be considered, such as a decrease in respiratory capacity that can lead to chronic lung disease.

Mitigation Efforts

Mitigation efforts must be carried out immediately, such as increasing ventilation in the basement parking area, the use of personal protective equipment, and the application of vehicle emission reduction policies in the area. Awareness of the importance of maintaining air quality, both by the government and the community, must be improved to protect public health, especially for those who work in high-risk environments such as basement parking.

Conclusion

Most of the basement parking workers in Medan experience lung physiology with restriction patterns and also show an increase in carbon monoxide levels in their work environment. This demands the attention and concrete action of related parties to improve the working conditions and health of workers in order to prevent more serious adverse effects in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improvement of working conditions: The working conditions in basement parking areas must be improved to reduce exposure to air pollution.
Use of personal protective equipment: The use of personal protective equipment, such as masks and respirators, must be encouraged among parking workers.
Application of vehicle emission reduction policies: Vehicle emission reduction policies must be applied in the area to reduce the concentration of motor vehicles and subsequently reduce air pollution.
Awareness of air quality: Awareness of the importance of maintaining air quality must be improved among the community and the government to protect public health.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The study employed a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the longitudinal effects of exposure to air pollution.
Measurement of CO levels: The measurement of CO levels was carried out using a micro portable smokerlyzer, which may not provide accurate results.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Longitudinal studies: Longitudinal studies should be conducted to capture the longitudinal effects of exposure to air pollution.
Larger sample size: A larger sample size should be employed to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Measurement of other air pollutants: Measurement of other air pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, should be conducted to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of air pollution on pulmonary physiology and carbon monoxide content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Characteristics of Pulmonary Physiology and Carbon Monoxide Content in Basement Parking Workers in Medan City

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to provide an overview of the condition of pulmonary physiology and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in parking workers in the basement, which is one of the sectors most vulnerable to air pollution.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with exposure to air pollution?

A: Exposure to air pollution can cause various health problems, including dizziness, fatigue, and even more serious risks such as cognitive function disorders. Long-term exposure to air pollution can also lead to a decrease in respiratory capacity that can result in chronic lung disease.

Q: What is the significance of pulmonary physiology in maintaining the health of the respiratory system?

A: Pulmonary physiology plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the respiratory system. It involves the evaluation of lung function, including the capacity to inhale and exhale air, as well as the efficiency of gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream.

Q: What are the results of the study in terms of pulmonary physiology and carbon monoxide content?

A: The results showed that 51.5% of parking workers had pulmonary physiology characterized by restriction patterns. Of these, 15.2% experienced moderate restrictions, while 36.4% experienced mild restrictions. In addition, 3% of parking workers also showed obstruction abnormalities. In terms of carbon monoxide content, 60.6% of workers had CO levels between 7-10 ppm, while 39.4% of workers showed an increase in CO levels in the range of 11-25 ppm.

Q: What are the mitigation efforts that can be taken to reduce the negative impact of air pollution on pulmonary physiology and carbon monoxide content?

A: Mitigation efforts that can be taken include increasing ventilation in the basement parking area, the use of personal protective equipment, and the application of vehicle emission reduction policies in the area. Awareness of the importance of maintaining air quality, both by the government and the community, must be improved to protect public health.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, a cross-sectional design, and the use of a micro portable smokerlyzer to measure CO levels.

Q: What are the future research directions that can be taken to further investigate the effects of air pollution on pulmonary physiology and carbon monoxide content?

A: Future research should focus on conducting longitudinal studies, increasing the sample size, and measuring other air pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.

Q: What are the recommendations that can be made based on the findings of this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improvement of working conditions: The working conditions in basement parking areas must be improved to reduce exposure to air pollution.
Use of personal protective equipment: The use of personal protective equipment, such as masks and respirators, must be encouraged among parking workers.
Application of vehicle emission reduction policies: Vehicle emission reduction policies must be applied in the area to reduce the concentration of motor vehicles and subsequently reduce air pollution.
Awareness of air quality: Awareness of the importance of maintaining air quality must be improved among the community and the government to protect public health.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for public health, particularly for individuals who work in high-risk environments such as basement parking areas. The study highlights the need for improved working conditions, the use of personal protective equipment, and the application of vehicle emission reduction policies to reduce the negative impact of air pollution on pulmonary physiology and carbon monoxide content.