Calcium carbide exposure and respiratory symptoms among fruit farmers and wholesalers in Perak

Sahazali, Natasha Alia (2017) Calcium carbide exposure and respiratory symptoms among fruit farmers and wholesalers in Perak. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Calcium carbide (CaC2) is a fruits ripening agent that has been banned in many countries as it can cause negative health effects such as respiratory problem, but it is still freely used in Malaysia. Objective: Since there is no research conducted in Malaysia, this study aims to explore the association between concentration of CaC2 exposure and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among fruits farmers and wholesalers in Perak. Methodology: This cross sectional comparative study was conducted in Perak. The main instrument was a set of self-administrative questionnaire. International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUALTD) Questionnaire was used to measure respiratory symptoms and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was used to assess psychosocial stressors and job strain. Questionnaire was distributed to 86 fruits farmers and wholesalers as exposed group and 76 administrative staffs as non-exposed group to assess their sociodemographic, working characteristics, psychosocial factors and respiratory symptoms. Personal phosphine gas exposure level produced from CaC2 was measured by ToxiRae among exposed group at the fruits ripening area for 15 minutes. Result: Findings indicated that the highest phosphine gas concentration was among respondents in Bidor area (0.089ppm). However, the level of phosphine gas was below the short term exposure limit (STEL) which was less than 1 ppm. A significant association was found between gender with wheezing (x2=6.44, p=0.011), marital status and shortness of breath (x,2=6.834, p=0.033), education level with shortness of breath (x2 = 8.246, p= 0.041), working frequency with phlegm 0.372, p=0.007), use of personal protective equipment with chest tightness (x2 =5.156, p=0.023) and social support with respiratory symptoms. Concentration of phosphine gas produced from CaC2 were also correlated with respiratory symptoms among respondents -0.269, p=0.012). Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that fruit farmers and wholesalers who involved in fruits ripening by using CaC2 were at risk to get respiratory symptoms due to CaC2 exposure. Keywords: Calcium carbide, phosphine gas, respiratory symptoms, Perak

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	26 Nov 2024 08:16
Last Modified:	26 Nov 2024 08:16
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2253

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