Biomonitoring of Exposures to Solvents and Metals in Electronics Manufacturing Facilities in Batam, Indonesia

Abstract

Concerns about chemical exposure in the electronics manufacturing industry have long been recognized, but data are lacking in Southeast Asia. We conducted a study in Batam, Indonesia, to evaluate chemical exposures in electronics facilities, using participatory research and biological monitoring approaches. A convenience sample of 36 workers (28 exposed, 8 controls) was recruited, and urine samples were collected before and after shifts. Five solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, benzene, and xylenes) were found in 46%-97% of samples, and seven metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, tin, antimony, lead, and vanadium) were detected in 60%-100% of samples. Biological monitoring and participatory research appeared to be useful in assessing workers' exposure when workplace air monitoring is not feasible due to a lack of cooperation from the employer. Several logistical challenges need to be addressed in future biomonitoring studies of electronics workers in Asia in factories where employers are reluctant to track workers' exposure and health.

Keywords: Indonesia; Southeast Asia; biomonitoring; electronics industry; exposure; metal; participatory research; reproductive hazards; solvent; unions; worker right to know.

Figure 1.

An illustration showing a participatory research blueprint. Participation research includes involving all the parties in study design, sampling strategy development, participant recruitment, sample collection, and results interpretation and dissemination.

Figure 2.

Solvent concentrations for exposed (n = 28) and control (n = 8) workers before and after the work shift. Concentrations were corrected for creatinine.

Figure 3.

Element concentrations for exposed (n = 28) and control (n = 8) workers before and after the work shift. Concentrations were corrected for creatinine.