PENGARUH KUALITAS UDARA DALAM RUANGAN BER-AC TERHADAP GANGGUAN KESEHATAN
Abstract
The use of air conditioning as an alternative to replace
natural ventilation may improve comfort and work productivity. However
air conditioning that is not well maintained may become a good media for
microbial growth. This condition may result in decreased indoor air
quality and induce health impairment known as Sick Building Syndrome.
The objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of physical and
microbiological qualities on health impairment. This study was carried
out in an air conditioned, two-story building of PT.Infomedia Nusantara
in Surabaya.This was an observational study with cross-sectional
approach. This study was carried out by means of interview, observation
and measurements including air temperature, relative humidity, air
velocity and the number of colony forming units in a cubic meter of air
(germs, fungi, and bacteria). The number of population was 94 employees
and the number of samples taken was 89 employees using purposive
sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed either descriptively
(tabulation) and analytically using logistic regression test (α = 0.05).
The results of this study showed that air temperatures measured were still within the recommended temperature range, while relative humidity, air velocity and total germs colonies measured in two locations had exceeded the recommended standards. The total colonies of fungi were 0,87 (first floor) and 1,94 (second floor), and total colonies of bacterial were 6,87 (first floor) and 3,21 (second floor) respectively. Complaints experienced by employees were skin irritation (75,28 %), eye irritation (74,16 %), nasal irritation (73,03 %), neurological dissorder (66,29 %), sore throat (46,07 %), and nausea (21,35 %) respectively. Fungus had significant influence (p = 0.048) on nasal irritation, nausea were significantly affected (p = 0.020) by germs whereas the other variables did not influence (p > 0.05) on health problems. It is suggested that the company provide training on indoor air quality (SBS/BRI) to all employees and conduct environmental monitoring as well as performing either preplacement or periodic medical examination. The air conditioning available should be checked and maintained at regular intervals, manager and employees should always participate in keeping the work place clean.
Keywords: physical and microbiological qualities, air conditioned room, health disturbances
The results of this study showed that air temperatures measured were still within the recommended temperature range, while relative humidity, air velocity and total germs colonies measured in two locations had exceeded the recommended standards. The total colonies of fungi were 0,87 (first floor) and 1,94 (second floor), and total colonies of bacterial were 6,87 (first floor) and 3,21 (second floor) respectively. Complaints experienced by employees were skin irritation (75,28 %), eye irritation (74,16 %), nasal irritation (73,03 %), neurological dissorder (66,29 %), sore throat (46,07 %), and nausea (21,35 %) respectively. Fungus had significant influence (p = 0.048) on nasal irritation, nausea were significantly affected (p = 0.020) by germs whereas the other variables did not influence (p > 0.05) on health problems. It is suggested that the company provide training on indoor air quality (SBS/BRI) to all employees and conduct environmental monitoring as well as performing either preplacement or periodic medical examination. The air conditioning available should be checked and maintained at regular intervals, manager and employees should always participate in keeping the work place clean.
Keywords: physical and microbiological qualities, air conditioned room, health disturbances
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Arda Dinata, pendiri Majelis Inspirasi Alquran dan Realitas Alam/ MIQRA Indonesia, www.miqraindonesia.com
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Jl. Raya Pangandaran Km. 3 Kec. Pangandaran - Ciamis Jawa Barat 46396
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