Abstract :
Charcoal is one of the products produced from the carbonation of wood at
high temperatures. Burning wood produces carbon monoxide (CO) with a
concentration of 5000 ppm in one burn. Continuous exposure will result in
carbon monoxide mixed with hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood to become
carboxyhemoglobin (COHB). This study aims to determine carboxyhemoglobin
levels in charcoal-making workers in Genjikan Village, Karanganyar City by
using the conway diffusion cell method.
This research is a descriptive research with quota sampling technique.
Research respondents totaled 7 people. Examination of carboxyhemoglobin levels
using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer with the Conway Cell Diffusion method. The
results of the examination are compared with the ACGIH (American Conference
of Governmental Industrial Hygienist ) standard, which cannot exceed 3,5%.
The results obtained COHb levels with values of 0,66%; 0,94%; 1,04%;
1,15%; and 1,20%. The absorbance of the sample was read at a wavelength of
409,5 nm and the operating time was stable at 98-115 minutes.
COHb levels in the blood of the charcoal maker are still within normal limits
according to ACGIH standards.