1.Analysis of Heavy Metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Manganese, and Zinc) in Well Water in East Java Province, Indonesia
Mochammad Sholehhudin ; R. Azizah ; Arif Sumantri ; Shaharuddin Mohd Sham ; Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria ; Mohd Talib Latif
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.2):146-153
Introduction: Indonesia is one of the countries whose inhabitants use well water for drinking and cooking purposes.
In East Java, 48.90% of the population uses well water for their daily needs. Well water contained heavy metals had
bad effects on health such as cancer, damage of liver, kidneys, and others. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals in well water and relate them to a potential health outcomes. Methods: The
method used in this study was analytical descriptive. Data used was secondary from East Java Environmental Office.
A total of 101 samples were collected from 33 locations. There were 5 heavy metals analyzed, namely cadmium,
chromium, lead, manganese, and zinc. Equipment using ICPMS and AAS. Data analyzed with descriptive statistics
by SPSS. Data obtained were compared to the WHO Standard for Drinking Water Quality. Results: Concentration
for cadmium was 0.002 mg/l, followed by manganese at 1.80 mg/l and zinc at 0.020 mg/l. Besides, all water samples
had levels of chromium and lead below the detection limit. Conclusion: All heavy metals had concentrations below
the maximum allowable standard, except for five water samples from three locations with levels of manganese
which was above the maximum standard. Long term effects of manganese include neurological problems, intelligence, and low birth weight. Further studies need to be done to determine the source of manganese contamination.
It is recommended that bottled water is used for drinking purposes in an area where heavy metal concentration is
above the allowable limit.
2.The Impact of 2013 Haze on Emergency Department Utilizations for Acute Respiratory Diseases: A Retrospective Study
Mohd Azim Ab Manap ; Shamsuriani Md Jamal ; Hilwani Kaharuddin ; Husyairi Harunarasid ; Mazrura Sahani ; Talib Bin Latif ; Nik Azlan Nik Muhamad
International Journal of Public Health Research 2024;14(no.1):1817-1822
Introduction:
Haze imposes a substantial health burden especially in Southeast Asia where occurrences are frequent. Reduction in air quality levels has resulted in an increase in healthcare utilization, especially to the front door of healthcare, the emergency department (ED). Data on ED utilization during haze period is lacking.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study aimed to determine the association between haze and ED utilization of haze-related acute respiratory illnesses between April 2013 to September 2013. The study period was divided into haze/ non-haze period. Clinical data was collected from the registration book and patients’ case notes. Environmental data was obtained from Institute of Environment and Development Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Results:
Total number of patients presented to ED during the study was 32,661. Fifteen percent (n= 5177) presented with acute respiratory symptoms. Total Emergency Department visits during haze period reduced due to emergency declaration, hence reducing non-emergency visits. However, there was a significant increase in hospital admission (p=0.0015) and infective respiratory illnesses (p=0.001) during haze which correlates with increase air pollutant. Patients with chronic respiratory illnesses were more affected by haze (p = 0.001). PM10 and ozone were the main pollutant during the haze period.
Conclusion
Increasing pollutant levels from the haze significantly increases ED hospital admission. Evidence from this study can influence policymakers to prepare and allocate resources to hospitals in response to haze-related illnesses.