International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.3, No.

7, July 2015
E-ISSN: 2321-9637

LIVER DYSFUNCTION, IMPROVING OF

TOLUENE LEVELS, BLOOD SOD ENZYME DUE
TO STEAM TOLUENE EXPOSURE
Ernita Sari1*, H.J. Mukono2, Haryanto Notopuro3
Magister Program, Environment Health Department , Public Health Faculty,
Airlangga University , Surabaya, Indonesia1
Environment Health Department , Public Health Faculty, Airlangga University , Surabaya, Indonesia 2
Biokimia Department, Medical Faculty, Airlangga University , Surabaya, Indonesia 3
Email: neetaneeta07@gmail.com1 , mukono_j@yahoo.com , notopuro@telkomnet.id3
Abstract- Toluene is often used as a solvent in car painting, so toluene vapor can expose the worker through
the respiratory tract. Toluene can cause liver dysfunction, lung dysfunction, central nervous system, kidneys,
skin, hearing, and vision. This research aimed to analyze the effects of toluene vapor exposure on blood toluene
levels, liver dysfunction, and enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. This research is an observational
cross-sectional study. The population is car painting workers and administrative workers with a randomly
selected sample of some 11 people for each group. Sampling of air toluene levels done with NIOSH method
1501 and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Hydrocarbon Analyzer. SGOT and SGPT enzyme analysis was
conducted using kinetic UV Methods. While the measurement of blood levels of toluene and SOD using ELISA
method. The results showed that air toluene levels in car painting room is 51.7574 ppm, while the administrative
room is 0.55735 ppm. The results using linear regression analysis showed a significant effect on toluene vapors
exposure to blood toluene levels ( = 0.576; p = 0.000), liver dysfunction SGOT ( = 0.530; p = 0.040), SGPT
( = 0.607; p = 0.026) , and enzyme SOD levels ( = 0.929; p = 0.001). To minimize workers health problems
caused by toluene exposure, it is necessary to monitor the health of workers and indoor air quality regularly, as
well as the use of special gas masks.
Keywords: - toluene vapor; blood toluene level; liver function; SOD enzyme.
1. INTRODUCTION
The automotive industry is a kind of industry that
is growing rapidly in Indonesia. It is shown by the
data of car sales increased 24.8% in 2013 (PPN,
2013). The increased of car using accompanied by an
increase in spray painting creative industries.
Worksafe Western Australia Commision (2009)
explains that the spray of painting a car body repair
activity with spray paint using a high-pressure nozzle.
One of the harmful chemicals used in spray painting
is toluene. Toluene is used as a solvent contained in
thinner and paint used in the painting process. From
the analysis of the composition of the mixture of paint
thinner and samples were carried out by Ekaputri &
Oginawati (2012), toluene content of 8.06% at
12.47% on a thinner and paint mixture.
Toluene is one type of volatile aromatic
hydrocarbons, colorless, and is commonly used as a
solvent paint, a mixture of gasoline, nail polish, and as
a solvent in the printing business. Toluene contained
in the thinner that is used as a solvent in spray
painting business is highly volatile so that it can be
inhaled by workers. When workers sprayed paint to
the car, workers will be exposed not only by toluene
vapors, but also of mist which is a collection of fine
particles in the form of a liquid. This form is very
easily inhaled and enters into the respiratory tract of

workers, especially in workers who do not use the

appropriate work clothes (ATSDR, 2000).
Measurement of moisture content in the air toluene
car painting workshop ever conducted by
Ekaputri&Oginawati (2012) with the results of
measurement of 71.29 ppm. The toluene vapor
concentration has exceeded the threshold limit value
required by the minister of Indonesia (2011) that is
equal to 50 ppm. Toluene entry point into the body is
through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and skin
contact. However, the main entry point of toluene into
the body is through inhalation of 60%. Toluene which
enters the body will be distributed through the blood
then undergoes metabolism in the liver tissue. The
resulting metabolites are benzoic acid. Benzoic acid
conjugated with glycine forming hippuric acid and
excreted through the urine. Toluene metabolism can
also produce Toluene epoxide which is free radicals
that can affect the activity of the enzyme superoxide
dismutase (EPA, 2005).
Based on research Brautbar, et al (2002) it is
known that exposure to toluene vapors can cause
interference with liver function characterized by
increased levels of SGOT (Serum Glutamic
oxaloacetic transaminase) and SGPT (Serum
Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase). SGOT and SGPT
are biomarkers that can detect early stage liver

International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.3, No.7, July 2015

E-ISSN: 2321-9637
function impairment in workers exposed to organic
solvents.
This study aimed to analyze the effects of
exposure to toluene vapor the air to the blood toluene
levels, liver function, and blood levels of SOD in car
painting workers. From the results of a preliminary
survey, the workshop which will be the location of the
research has design painting space with ventilation
<15% of the floor area (Kepmenkes, 2002), does not
apply cross ventilation, and the average number of
cars per day +5 painting cars. Car painting workers
who every day work continuously can be exposed to
toluene vapors coming out from paint and thinner
used. Moreover, these workers did not use personal
protective equipment as appropriate to protect them
from exposure to toluene vapors. Exposure to toluene
vapor continuously on car painting workers can lead
to chronic effects that can affect the health of workers,
including impaired liver function.
2. RESEARCH METHODS
This study is observational cross sectional study
design. The population of this study is the car painting
workers and administrative workers. Samples were
randomly selected from the population that met the
inclusion criteria, namely the male, minimum work
for 5 years, and no history of heart disease before
working in the garage. The sample size was 11 people
for each group obtained by using the formula:
n = 2(Z+Z)/((1-2))
Specification:
n = a sample size of each group
= SD response to the comparison group
Z = Adjusted standard deviation for test 2
directions (1.96)
Z =Adjusted standard deviation for (0.84)
1 = the mean levels of toluene in the blood
sample groups (3mg/l)
2 = the mean blood levels of toluene in the
comparison group (1,2mg/l)
Data collected by the respondent went to work. To
ensure the respondents included in the inclusion
criteria and characteristics of the respondents to
obtain data that included age, nutritional status, and
smoking habits, the interviews were conducted using
a questionnaire. Calculation of the nutritional status
using the Body Mass Index (BMI) which is obtained
from the calculation of weight in kilograms divided
by the square of height in meters. This value is then
categorized into less weight when the BMI <18.5,
normal if the BMI from 18.5 to 22.9, risky obese
when BMI from 23.0 to 24.9, the first obese when
BMI from 25.0 to 29.9, and II obese when BMI>
30.0. While the smoking habits of calculation
obtained by multiplying the average of cigarettes
smoked per day multiplied smoking duration in years.

Value calculation is then categorized into light when

the value 0-200, while if the value between 201-600,
and weight if value> 600.
Measurements of air toluene vapor carried by
NIOSH method 1501 (2007) and analyzed by Gas
Chromatography
Hydrocarbon
Analyzer.
Measurement of levels of SGOT and SGPT was
conducted using UV kinetic methods. Measurements
of blood toluene conducted by NIOSH method 8007
(2013), while the SOD enzyme measurements
performed by ELISA. Statistical tests were used to
analyze the effect of exposure to toluene vapor
content of the air to the blood toluene, SGOT, SGPT,
and SOD are multiple linear regression.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Car painting workers are the most vulnerable to
exposure to toluene because when workers sprayed
paint to the car, toluene vapors can enter the
respiratory tract, especially when the worker does not
use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Respondents are workers employed in administrative
space and space vehicle paint-sex male, minimal work
in the garage for 5 years, average age 38 years, and
have never suffered from heart disease before working
in the garage.
Tabel 1. Characteristics of Respondents
Characteristic
Age (Years)
(mean : 38,09;
SD=9,80)
20-25
26-30
31-35
36-40
>40
Nutritional
Status
(BMI)
(mean :
24,38;
SD=3,41)
Less :
<18,5
Normaly :
18,5-22,9
Risk
Obese :
23,0-24,9
Obese I :
25,0-29,9
Obese II :
>30,0

Car painting
workers
f
%

Administration
Worker
f
%

2
2
0
3
4

18,2
18,2
00,0
27,3
36,4

0
2
4
1
4

00,0
18,2
36,4
9,1
36,4

9,1

00,0

00,0

54,5

36,4

18,2

45,5

27,3

9,1

00,0

International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.3, No.7, July 2015

E-ISSN: 2321-9637

Smoking
Habits
(mean :
28,22;
SD=59,16)
Rarely : 01
90,9
200
0
Medium :
1
9,1
201-600
Severe :
0
00,0
>600
Source : Primary Data

11
0

100,
0
00,0

00,0

In table 1 shows that respondents who work in the

workshop space and administrative space has a fairly
homogenous
characteristics
so
expect
this
characteristic variable does not affect the results of
research related to the effects of exposure to toluene
vapors. Nonetheless, this study will continue to
analyze the effect of variable levels of toluene
characteristics of respondents to the blood, the blood
of SOD enzymes, and liver dysfunction. Table 1 show
that the average age of respondents was 38.09 years.
This figure shows that on average respondents were in
the productive age, so expect the condition of his
organs still under optimal circumstances. While the
average nutritional status of the respondents was
24.38 and in the category of risk of becoming obese.
On average smoking respondents is 28.22 and in the
category of light smokers.
Measurements of toluene vapor the air is measured
at two points, namely in the administration room and
painting in the room, so the results can illustrate
whether there toluene exposure to workers.
Measurement results and Hydrocarbon Gas
Chromatography analyzer (NIOSH method 1501)
showed that the levels of toluene vapors in the
administration room and car painting space is as
follows:
Table 2 Levels of Toluene Vapor in Air Car
Painting Workshop and Space Administration
Measurement
Levels

Painting
Workshop
Room
51,7574 ppm

Levels
of
Toluene Vapor
in Air
Temperature
32,1 oC
Humadity
73,5%
Source: Primary Data

Administrative
Room
0,55735 ppm
25,3 oC
80,8%

Based on the results of measurements of the levels

of toluene vapors in car painting space and

administrative space, it is known that the moisture

level of the air in the room toluene car painting NAB
exceed those required Permenakertrans No:
Per.13/MEN/X/2011 on the value threshold limits
Physical and Chemical Factors Factors The
Workplace is 50ppm for toluene. Toluene vapor levels
in the car painting of 51.7574ppm, while the moisture
level of the air space toluene administration of
0.55735 ppm. A similar study conducted by Ekaputri
and Oginawati (2012) who have measured the levels
of toluene vapors in a car painting workers with
average levels of air toluene was 71.29ppm. Foo
(1990) has also been taking measurements in
industrial glue that also uses toluene as a solvent that
on average toluene content of the air is 88 ppm.
Toluene is the most dominant material used in
spray painting in the automotive industry. When the
paint is sprayed, car painting workers will be exposed
to toluene vapors. If this event continues, it could lead
to health problems in workers painting the car.
Toluene which enters the body will be distributed
throughout the human body through the circulatory
system. A peak concentration of toluene in the blood
after exposure is 15-30 minutes after exposure
(ATSDR, 2006). Thus, measurement of toluene levels
in the blood is the most accurate biomarker for big
describes toluene vapor exposure to workers painting
the car.
Blood levels of toluene examination carried out by
reference to NIOSH method 8007. At a low
concentration, examination of toluene in the blood is
more sensitive than examination of toluene in urine.
Standard exposure to toluene in the blood at a
maximum of 0.05mg/l (ACGIH, 1999). Distribution
of toluene levels in the blood of the respondents are
shown in Table 3 below.
Table 3 Results of Measurement of Blood Levels
Toluene Painting Automobile Workers and Workers
Administration
Blood Levels
of Toluena
(mg/l)

Group
Car painting Administration
workers
Worker
f
%
f
%
<0,05
0
00,0
8
72,7
>0,05
11
100,0
3
27,3
Means (SD)
0,79 (0,40)
0,08 (0,12)
Source: Primary Data
Based on Table 3, the mean blood levels of toluene
in the exposed group is 0.79 mg/l, while the average
blood levels of toluene in the group not exposed was
0.08 mg/l. ACGIH (1999) has set the standard in the
blood toluene maximum of 0.05 mg/l. This means that
the blood levels of toluene in the car painting workers
has exceeded the existing standard. Similar research
has been conducted by Foo (1990) that the blood
toluene levels in the exposed group was higher (1.25

International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.3, No.7, July 2015

E-ISSN: 2321-9637
mg/l) than the levels in the blood toluene unexposed
group (0.16 mg/l).
Table 4 Analysis of the effect of exposure to
toluene vapor in the air to the blood levels of toluene
car painting workers
Variable

Blood Levels of Toluena

Exposure to toluene
0,576
vapor in the air
Age
0,140
Nutritiional Status
-0,049
Smoking Habits
0,479
*p<0,05 (significant)

0,000*
0,261
0,697
0,001*

Table 4 shows that there is the influence of

exposure to toluene vapor content of the air to the
blood toluene with p=0.000 and =0.576. So it can be
said that the higher the exposure to toluene vapor in
the air, the higher the toluene levels in the blood.
Smoking habits also affect the levels of blood toluene
with p=0.001 and = 0.479. The more cigarettes
smoked, the higher the levels of toluene in the blood
of respondents.
Results of multiple linear regression analysis
showed that there is influence on levels of exposure to
toluene vapors of toluene in the blood of workers,
wherein toluene exposed group had higher levels of
blood were higher than levels of blood toluene
unexposed group. Foo research results (1990) also
states that a higher level of toluene vapor air, the
higher the levels of toluene in the blood of workers.
Some of the factors which influence exposure to
toluene in the body are age, nutritional status, and
smoking habits.
Based on the results of research analysis, age and
nutritional status did not affect the toluene levels in
the blood, while smoking is a variable that affects the
toluene levels in the blood. Someone who smokes 20
cigarettes per day, the intake of toluene into the body
up to 1000 mg / day (ATSDR, 2000). Results of the
interview mentioned that the average number of
cigarettes smoked unexposed group was 2.73
cigarettes per day, while the average number of
cigarettes smoked exposed group was 6.18 cigarettes
per day. So that the exposed group to get additional
exposure to toluene of cigarettes they smoke because
cigarettes also contain toluene. Based on the results of
the interview can be seen that the group was not
exposed to not only work in the room, but also outside
the administration to register the car that goes to do
painting as well as identify the type of damage to the
car. So this allows the group not exposed to inhaling
toluene vapor that comes out of the process of
spraying paint.
Habits of workers who have never used a mask
and a special work clothes in the car painting activity

allows workers to be exposed to toluene greater. In

addition, the average car is painted in a day is 7 units
with the average time needed to paint one car unit is 1
hour. More and more cars are painted, then allowing
greater exposure to toluene as well. This enables the
car painting workers exposed to toluene vapors more
than clerical workers. Because the moisture content of
toluene in the administration of relatively small space,
then the toluene is absorbed so that the body is also
slightly too small blood levels of toluene. In contrast,
levels of toluene vapors in a large car painting room,
the body absorbed toluene was also great that the
blood levels of toluene were also great. The higher
levels of toluene in the blood, it will cause a greater
number of free radicals are produced that can interfere
with the antioxidant enzymes SOD.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that is
produced naturally by organisms that consume
oxygen. SOD plays a role as one of the mechanisms
of defense against reactive oxygen species that are
produced as a side effect of metabolism and
respiration (Pitayu, 2007). In the early stages of a
defense system against oxidative stress, the enzyme
superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme that
protects cells from oxidative stress caused by multiple
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that is by changing
the nature of radical O2- to O2 and then became
H2O2. H2O2 is one of the highly reactive oxygen
compounds. When an exposure is persistent and
antioxidant enzymes are no longer able to neutralize
the free radicals formed, it will happen the lipid
peroxidation (Dundaroz, et al., 2003). Research
conducted by Ilgazli, et al (2004) showed that SOD
significantly increased with thinner inhalation for 8
and 12 weeks, compared with the control group.
Table 5 Results of Measurement of Blood Levels
of SOD enzyme Car Painting Workers and
Workers Administration
Blood Levels
of SOD
enzyme
(U/ml)
<165
165-240
>240

Group
Car Painting
Administrative
Worker
Worker
f
% f
%
0
0
11

00,0
00,0
100,
0
Means (SD)
310,36 (32,05)
Source: Primary Data

2
8
1

18,2
72,7
9,1

192,84 (38,97)

Table 5 shows that the average levels of the

enzyme SOD exposed group amounted to 310.36
U/ml, whereas the average levels of the enzyme SOD
group was not exposed at 192.84 U/ml. A similar
study conducted by Dundaroz, et. Al. (2003) who has

International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.3, No.7, July 2015

E-ISSN: 2321-9637
measured the levels of SOD in toluene exposed group
and the group not exposed to toluene. The results
showed that levels of the enzyme SOD in the group
exposed to greater (mean 582.3 U/GHB) than the
SOD enzyme levels unexposed group (mean 248.7
U/GHB).
This research is also consistent with research
Halifeoglu, et al (2000), that the SOD enzyme levels
greater toluene exposed group (mean 1079.5 U/GHB)
than the SOD enzyme levels unexposed group (mean
953.3 U/GHB). Coskun, et al (2005) in experimental
research also found that levels of the enzyme SOD
mice presented higher toluene vapor (mean 42.90
U/mg protein) than the levels of SOD mice that were
not exposed toluene vapor (mean 20.48 U/mg
protein).
Table 6 Analysis of the influence of toluene levels
of blood against blood enzyme Superoxide dismutase
car painting workers
Variable

SOD Enzyme of Blood

p
0,929
0,001*

Toluene
Blood levels
Age
-0,174
Nutritional
0,048
Status
Smoking
-0,984
Habits
*p<0,05 (significant)

0,864
0,962
0,339

Table 6 shows that there is influence of toluene

levels of blood against the enzyme superoxide
dismutase (SOD) with p=0.001 and =0.929. So it can
be said that the higher the levels of toluene in the
blood, the higher the SOD enzyme levels in the blood
of respondents. Age, nutritional status, and smoking
do not affect the SOD enzyme.
The analysis showed that there are significant
levels of toluene blood of the SOD enzyme levels,
where the higher levels of toluene, the higher blood
levels of the enzyme SOD her. SOD is an enzyme
naturally produced by living organisms that consume
oxygen. SOD enzyme plays a role as one of selfdefense mechanism when there is Reactive Oxygen
Species (ROS) produced endogenously or from
outside (Pitayu, 2007). The more reactive oxygen
compounds, the levels of SOD also increased. Toluene
is also metabolized in the body to form a compound
that is radical, ie toluene epoxide compounds (EPA,
2005). These compounds are ultimately affecting the
activity of SOD enzyme. Thus, more and more
exposure to toluene vapor, then the blood will
increase the levels of toluene and SOD enzyme levels
will also be increased.
The study also showed that the more the number
of cigarettes smoked by the respondent, the higher the
levels of SOD her. This is because smoking also

contains several compounds that are free radicals so

that the compound may also affect the activity of SOD
enzyme. It is evident that the exposed group who
smoked more cigarettes had higher levels of SOD
enzymes greater than the unexposed group who
smoked fewer cigarettes. Because the group is not
exposed to work in an administration that uses Air
Conditioner, then they only had smoking when the
clock breaks alone. Unlike the exposed group who at
any time could smoke, so the amount of exposure to
toluene even greater in the exposed group.
If the process of cell injury induced by an increase
in SOD continues, can lead to the cells undergo
necrosis and apoptosis which will end in death cell.
All these mechanisms are taking place in some fatty
tissue which is the target tissue from exposure to
toluene, one of which is liver tissue. Presence of
impaired liver function due to exposure to organic
solvents, one of which toluene, can be viewed using
biomarkers SGOT and SGPT (Mohammadi, et al.,
2010).
Table 7 Results of Measurement of enzyme levels
of SGOT and SGPT Blood Car Painting Workers and
Workers Administration
Measure
ment
Levels

Group
Car Painting
Worker
f
%

Adminitrative
Worker
f
%

SGOT Blood
Levels (U/L)
<40

36,4

11

100,0

>40

63,6

00,0

Means (SD)

46,15
(18,60)

21,37 (3,42)

SGPT Blood
Levels (U/L)
<41

36,4

11

100,0

>41

63,6

00,0

Means (SD)

47,62
(18,77)
Source: Primary Data

23,31 (8,50)

In Table 7 shows that the average levels of the

enzyme SGOT exposed group amounted to 46.15
U/L, whereas the average levels of the enzyme SGOT
unexposed group amounted to 21.37 U/L. SGPT
enzyme levels measurement results showed that the
average levels of the enzyme SGOT exposed group
amounted to 47.62 U/L, whereas the average levels of
the enzyme SGOT unexposed group amounted to
23.31 U/L. Both the results of these measurements
show that both SGOT and SGPT exposed group

International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.3, No.7, July 2015

E-ISSN: 2321-9637
exceeds the standard value, while the unexposed
group was still below the standard value is <40 U/L
for the enzyme SGOT and <41 U/L for the enzyme
alanine aminotransferase.
A similar study conducted by Hussein, et al (2008)
has measured the levels of SGOT and SGPT enzymes
in toluene exposed group and the group not exposed
to toluene. The result showed that enzyme levels of
SGOT and SGPT in the group exposed to greater
(mean SGOT=10.7 U/L, mean ALT=16 U/L) than the
enzyme levels of SGOT and SGPT unexposed group
(mean AST=3.8 U/L, mean ALT = 5.7 U/L).
Halifeoglu, et al (2000) in his research also found that
levels of SGOT and SGPT workers exposed to
toluene higher (mean SGOT=19.22 U/l, mean ALT=
1.72) than SGOT and SGPT workers not exposed to
toluene (average SGOT = 18.68 U/l, mean
ALT=20.77 U/l).
Table 8 Analysis of the influence of toluene levels
of blood against blood enzyme SGOT and SGPT
car painting workers
Variable

SGOT of Blood

0,530

Toluena
Blood
Levels
Age
0,348
Nutritional
0,284
Status
Smoking
Habits
0,370
*p<0,05 (significant)

p
0,040*

SGPT Of
Blood

p
0,607 0,026*

0,088
0,153

0,231
0,015

0,264
0,939

0,128

0,002

0,992

Table 8 shows that there is influence blood levels

of the enzyme SGOT toluene (p=0.040; =0.530) and
ALT (p=0.026; =0.607). This value indicates that the
higher the levels of toluene in the blood, the higher
the levels of SGOT and SGPT enzymes in the blood
of respondents. Age, nutritional status, and smoking
do not affect the enzyme SGPT and SGOT.
SGOT and SGPT is an enzyme that is often used
to assess the presence of impaired liver function
because it can detect the presence of impaired liver
function in the early stages. Workers exposed to
organic solvents can be impaired liver function due to
one of the target organ is the liver of an organic
solvent, so that SGOT and SGPT can be used as a
biomarker for the detection of impaired liver function
in workers exposed to toluene vapors.
The analysis also showed that age may affect
enzyme SGOT levels in the blood. The more elderly
person, the greater the negative impact of toluene
vapor to impaired liver function, it is because of
decreased liver function of workers with age, so the
ability of toluene metabolism in the body is not
maximal.

The study also showed that the more the number

of cigarettes smoked by the respondent, the higher the
levels of enzymes of its AST and SGPT. This happens
because cigarettes contain several radicals that can
cause cell damage, so that the body naturally secretes
enzymes SOD to neutralize the radical compounds.
Because the worker painting a car to work every day
for 7 hours continuously, then the toluene vapor is
inhaled will cause cell necrosis and apoptosis which
ended in the death of the cell. Damaging a particular
network is a network composed of the liver due to fat
tissue. Because liver cells undergo necrosis and even
apoptosis, there will be disturbances of liver function.
To view the occurrence of liver dysfunction, then the
measurement of the enzyme SGOT and SGPT. It is
evident that the group exposed have SGOT and SGPT
greater than the group not exposed to toluene.
The overall results of this study indicate that
toluene vapor having an impact on human health,
particularly for workers who are constantly exposed
to toluene vapors. Therefore, both workers and shop
owner should pay attention to the condition of the car
panting and personal protective equipment should be
used to minimize exposure to toluene vapors.
4. CONCLUSION
Toluene vapor concentration in the air space car
painting has exceeded the Threshold Limit Value is
51.7574 ppm, while the moisture level of the air space
toluene administration of 0.55735 ppm. The levels of
toluene, SOD, SGOT, SGPT blood and exposed group
increased, while levels of toluene, SOD, SGOT, SGPT
blood and unexposed groups are still normal.
There is influence of exposure to toluene vapor
content of the air to the blood toluene with p=0.000
and =0.576. So it can be said that the higher the
exposure to toluene vapor in the air, the higher the
toluene levels in the blood. Smoking habits also affect
the levels of blood toluene with p = 0.001 and =
0.479. The more cigarettes smoked, the higher the
levels of toluene in the blood of respondents.
There is toluene influence blood levels of the
enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) with p=0.001
and =0.929. So it can be said that the higher the
levels of toluene in the blood, the higher the SOD
enzyme levels in the blood of respondents. Age,
nutritional status, and smoking do not affect the SOD
enzyme.
There is toluene influence blood levels of the
enzyme AST (p=0.040; =0.530) and ALT (p=0.026;
=0.607). This value indicates that the higher the
levels of toluene in the blood, the higher the levels of
SGOT and SGPT enzymes in the blood of
respondents. Age, nutritional status, and smoking do
not affect the enzyme SGOT and SGPT.

International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.3, No.7, July 2015

E-ISSN: 2321-9637
To minimize health problems from vapors of
toluene, then the owner of the garage needs to seek
recovery of air space workshop by making adequate
ventilation is at least 15% of the floor area. Garage
owner could do collaboration with the Department of
Health and Environment Agency local to monitor
worker health and indoor air quality work on a regular
basis. Procurement and supervision of the use of
personal protective equipment for workers, such as
special gas masks, work clothes, work shoes, Google,
it should be mandatory for the owner of the shop to
protect workers from exposure to toluene vapors.
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