Environmental health risk assessment and acute effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) inhalation exposure on traditional sulfur miners at Ijen Crater Volcano, Indonesia

• Published in: Toxicology reports 2024-12, Vol.13, p.101772, Article 101772
• Main Authors: Susetyo, Septian Hadi, Abidin, Azham Umar, Nagaya, Taiki, Kato, Nobuyuki, Matsui, Yasuto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental health risk assessment; Ijen Crater Volcano; SO2 exposure; Traditional sulfur mining
• ISSN: 2214-7500; 2214-7500
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101772

The Ijen Crater volcano is one of the geological wonders recognized by UNESCO. Inside it is a blue lake with a high acidity level, and a blue fire phenomenon has formed due to the very high concentration of sulfur. This crater is also one of Indonesia's largest sources of sulfur and is used by locals as a traditional sulfur mine. This study aims to measure SO2 concentrations and assess the health risks of SO2 exposure in traditional sulfur mine workers. The SO2 measurements were taken using impingers at six sample points along the mine workers' path. In addition, anthropometric data, work activity patterns, and health complaints during work were collected through direct interviews with 30 respondents selected based on inclusion criteria. Short-Term Health Impact Method was carried out based on a comparison of threshold level values and acute effects obtained from interviews regarding health complaints. The Hazard Question Index (HQ Index) of SO2 exposure was calculated using the health risk assessment method. The SO2 concentrations between 3.14 and 18.24 mg/m3. All sample points were above the quality standard threshold set by the EPA of 1.97 mg/m3. The most common health complaints workers experienced were eye irritation and coughing while working, followed by headache, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. The HQ index of SO2 exposure in workers was 1.02 for real-time exposure and 2.15 for long-term exposure. An HQ index ≥ 1 indicates a potential health risk for workers. Therefore, it is important to control workers' SO2 exposure. [Display omitted] •The Ijen Crater volcano is one of the highest sulfur resources in Indonesia, but only traditional workers work there.•High SO2 pollution and extreme locations make traditional sulfur mining workers vulnerable to accidents.•SO2 exposure, acute impacts, and environmental health risk assessment has been discussed.•Risk management controls and suggestion has been discussed to improve worker health and safety and meet SDGs No 8 and 15.