Risk analysis of inhaled hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) exposure on blacksmiths from industrial area

Chromium (Cr) is used as a mixture to improve strength and corrosion resistance. Milling and welding processes can expose workers to Cr through dermal exposure and inhalation. Cr exposure can be determined by urine testing. The purpose of this study was to analyze the concentration of Cr in urine (UCr) of workers. This study was carried out using a cross-sectional method. Sampling was conducted in the village of Mekarmaju, Bandung, Indonesia. The number of respondents included 30 blacksmiths, and the control group comprised 10 people who were not blacksmiths. Cr⁶⁺ exposure was measured using a personal sampling pump placed on the collar of the worker's shirt as a breathing zone and then analyzed using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. UCr was measured with a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The measured Cr⁶⁺ concentration in the exposed working area ranged from 0.03 to 0.63 mg/m³, whereas that in non-exposed area ranged from 0.02 to 0.04 mg/m³. Results showed that 16 out of 30 blacksmiths had a UCr concentration above the biological exposure index (BEI) value, 21 had a higher value than the threshold limit value (TLV), and 22 had hazard index (HI) values > 1, which indicated that Cr has a hazardous potential in the body. The analysis of the exposed and control groups showed a significant difference with a p value of 0.000 for TLV, chronic daily intake, and UCr. These results clearly showed that Cr⁶⁺ exposure may harm the health of these workers in the future. The results obtained in this study can be used to promote workers' awareness on the potential health risk caused by Cr⁶⁺ exposure in the working environment.