Correlation Between Lead Levels and Blood Profiles in Rice Farmers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v8i2.542Keywords:
blood, farmers, hematology, ph, pesticidesAbstract
Pesticides contain Pb in their composition, while farmers often come into direct contact with pesticides without realizing the potential health risks involved. . This study aimed to determine correlation between blood lead (Pb) levels and hematological profiles in rice farmers in Tlingsing Village, Cawas District, Klaten Regency. Design research used a cross-sectional approach using purposive sampling on 24 respondents who had been working for more than two years. Data were obtained through questionnaires and laboratory tests, including blood Pb levels using the GFAAS (Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method and complete blood tests using a Hematology Analyzer. Correlation analysis used Spearman's rho test at a significance level of 95% (α = 0.05). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), blood Pb levels can be categorized as low if they are <1 µg/dL and high if they are >80 µg/dL. The results showed that all respondents had blood Pb levels below the CDC threshold (<10 µg/dL). There was an increase in erythrocytes in 4.2% of respondents, hematocrit in 12%, and a decrease in platelets in 4% of respondents. The correlation test showed no significant relationship between Pb levels and hemoglobin (p = 0.801), hematocrit (p = 0.657), leukocytes (p = 0.580), platelets (p = 0.463), or erythrocytes (p = 0.900). Lead exposure in farmers was still at a level (<10 µg/dL) that was not significant correlation for the hematological profile.
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