Environmental Health Risk Analysis of Methane Gas Pollutants in a Landfill of West Bandung, Indonesia: Risk Quotient Study and LandGEM Model

Methane gas emissions from landfills, especially in areas like Sarimukti Landfill of West Bandung, Indonesia, pose significant health risks to residents and waste pickers. This study, using the Environmental Health Risk Assessment (EHRA) approach and LandGEM modeling, evaluated methane exposure risks. The methane concentration in ambient air was 7.36 mg/m3, with a real-time mean intake of 0.826 mg/kg/day and a Risk Quotient (RQ) of 41.304. A 30-year projection showed a reduced intake of 0.226 mg/kg/day and a lower RQ of 11.331. A significant negative correlation (r= -0.241, p = 0.015) was found between RQ and respiratory symptoms among waste pickers, with an odds ratio of 0.645 (CI, 0.004 - 1.163), indicating that higher exposure is linked to worsened respiratory health. The risk control analysis recommended that exposure should be limited to no more than 0.222 hours per session, with fewer than eight exposures per week. Methane emissions are projected to continue rising, peaking at around 2,500 mega-grams per year by 2025, but at a slower rate than carbon dioxide. These findings highlight the critical need for active landfill gas management and stricter regulations to reduce health risks. Implementing effective control measures is essential for minimizing the harmful effects of methane exposure on vulnerable populations.