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This is a Quantitative Study study.

September 27, 2025Open Access

Occupational Exposure Assessment of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Respirable Crystalline Silica in the Ceramic Industry of Indonesia

MSMoch. SahriUniversity of Surabaya SAShintia Yunita AriniAirlangga University FJFarahul JannahUniversitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta

Key Points

Over 55% of ceramic workers faced c-silica levels above the safe limit, raising significant health concerns.
PM2.5 concentrations were alarmingly high, reaching up to 4152.4 µg/m3 in some production areas of the industry.
Health surveys indicated that 27.1% of workers reported shortness of breath, emphasizing respiratory health issues.
Risk assessments highlighted that nearly 64% of workers experienced unsafe exposure, particularly those with longer job tenures.

Abstract

This study evaluates occupational exposure to respirable particulate matter (PM2.5) and crystalline silica (c-silica) among workers in five ceramic industries in Indonesia. Personal sampling revealed that 55.3% of workers were exposed to c-silica levels exceeding the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 50 µg/m3, with concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 1395.3 µg/m3. PM2.5 levels reached as high as 4152.4 µg/m3 in certain production zones. Health surveys identified frequent respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath (27.1%) and chronic cough (14.6%), with 6.4% of workers showing lung abnormalities on chest X-rays. Risk assessments based on chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and risk quotient (RQ) revealed that 63.8% of workers faced unsafe exposure, particularly those with longer job tenures, older age, and poor compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE). To mitigate risks, the study recommends engineering controls such as more local exhaust ventilation, improved PPE usage, and administrative measures including job rotation and regular health monitoring. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved occupational health strategies in silica-intensive industries and call for further research on long-term health impacts and effective intervention programs.

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