Study on the exposure of selected heavy metals among car wash workers and its health effect / Nurul Syahira Mat Lazin

Introduction: The water from carwash contains pollutants such as oil, grease, heavy metals, suspended solids and detergents. Improper exposure to chemicals can cause damage to the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys (CWOC, 2008).
Methodology: Study location was through the carwash premises (n=30) at Klang Valley. The study design is cross-sectional study. Sampling data collection is according to Technical Guidance on Performance Monitoring of Industrial Effluent Treatment Systems and questionnaires. A statistical analysis that is statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 17.0 was used in this study.
Results: Carwash effluents were analysed to ascertain the heavy metals (Cr, Zn), Mn, Cu) concentrations and its health effect among workers. The results were then compared to Standard A, Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluents) Regulations 2009. The statistical analysis shows that the mean concentrations of all heavy metals are complied with the Standard A except Chromium. There is a significant association (p< 0.05) between exposure to heavy metal levels (Cr) and health effects among the exposed groups. The direct exposure group (n=26) seems to have greater health effect than those in indirect exposure group (n=17).
Conclusion: There is presence of heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Mn an Cu) in carwash effluent. Based on questionnaires, the respondents had complaint about their health status since working at carwash.