COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87–2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74–1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90–2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92–2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92–2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.

Indonesia has limited data on asbestos-related diseases despite abundant use. This study investigated the risk of occupational asbestos exposure for lung cancer development, utilizing a hospital-based case-control study. Subjects were patients who received a thoracic CT scan at Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta. The cases had primary lung cancer confirmed by histology, the controls were negative for lung cancer. The cumulative occupational asbestos exposure was calculated by multiplying the exposure intensity by the years of exposure. The exposure intensity was obtained by adopting the weighted arithmetic mean value of asbestos exposure from a job-exposure matrix developed in Korea. The primary data analysis was based on logistic regression. The study included 696 subjects, with 336 cases and 360 controls. The chance of lung cancer for subjects exposed to asbestos was doubled (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.21–3.42) compared with unexposed, and subjects with a cumulative asbestos exposure of 10 fiber-years or more even showed an OR of 3.08 (95% CI = 1.01–9.46). The OR of the combined effect between smoking and asbestos was 8.7 (95% CI = 1.71–44.39); the interaction was consistent with an additive and multiplicative risk model. Asbestos exposure is associated with a higher chance of lung cancer. Improved policies are needed to protect the population from asbestos hazards.

In Indonesia, many occupations and industries involve a variety of hazardous and toxic materials. The ILO estimates that about 21.1% of the tracheal, bronchial, and lung cancer deaths among men were attributable to workplace hazardous substances. This study investigated the relationship between occupations or workplace exposure and the risk of lung cancer in the country. The results will help determine how Indonesia can best mitigate the risk for its workers. This case-control study utilizes the Indonesian Standard of Industrial Classification (IndSIC) 2015 with the aim of exploring the risk of lung cancer among Indonesian workers. The study included patients aged 35 years old or older receiving thoracic CT at the radiology department of Persahabatan Hospital. The cases were histological-confirmed primary lung cancers, while the controls were negative thoracic CT scan for lung cancer. The subjects’ job titles and industries were classified according to IndSIC 2015 and blind to the patient’s grouping as a case or control. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios for lung cancer among all sections and some divisions or groups of IndSIC 2015. The mean age was 58.1 (±10.23) years for lung cancer patients and 54.5 (±10.23) years for controls. The majority of subjects (19.6%) worked in Section G (Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycle). After adjusting for age, gender, level of education, and smoking habit, the risk of lung cancer was nearly three-times higher (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.11–7.02) in workers of Division A01 (crop, animal production, and hunting) and two-times higher (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.05–3.46) in workers of Section F (construction) compared to the workers in other sections or divisions. The excess risk of lung cancer among certain categories of workers confirms the need for improved policy, monitoring, and control of occupational exposure for primary cancer prevention and workers’ compensation purposes.

This study examined the relationship between blood lead level (BLL) and clinical outcomes among children aged 1 to 5 years in a non-industrial urban setting. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jakarta, involving 105 hospitalized children. Data were obtained from caregiver interviews, medical record reviews, and venous BLL testing. The mean BLL was 2.0 ug/dl (95% confidence interval [1.48, 2.67]), with 20% of children having levels above 5.0 µg/dL, and two children exceeding 10.0 µg/dL. No acute lead poisoning cases were identified. Anemia and malnutrition were observed in 31.5% and 17.1% of participants, respectively. Female children and those with less-educated mothers had higher odds of elevated BLL, though associations were not statistically significant. Logistic regression showed no significant link between elevated BLL and lead-related diagnoses, growth delays, anemia, or malnutrition. Despite this, the findings highlight a hidden burden of lead exposure in children from urban non-industrial areas. These results support the need for routine BLL screening, caregiver education on household lead risks, and strengthened community monitoring to reduce early-life exposure in similar settings.

Background: Indonesia has more than 125 million workers, and Indonesian regulations ordered medical check-ups for all employees. Despite abundant workers’ health data in industries and health providers, national data is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the health profile of Indonesian workers. Method: We analyzed the health data of 12031 workers examined in a national-wide health provider between 2015 and 2016. The data included smoking habits, body mass index, blood pressure, hemoglobin, blood lipid, blood sugar, blood creatinine, ECG, spirometry, and audiometry test. The analysis focused on the proportions of diseases among workers and the proportion of diseases according to gender and age. Results: The proportion of male workers was 78.8%, and the average age was 36.9. The highest percentage of workers was from DKI Jakarta. The top five clinical findings were obesity (46.7%), dyslipidemias (44.5%), dental caries (21.7%), hearing loss (17.6%), and lung function problems (17.6%). Almost in all findings, the proportion of diseases in males was higher than in females except for anemia and bacteriuria. The proportion of kidney function problems, myocardial ischemic/infarct, hepatitis B carrier, diabetes mellitus, anemia, hyperuricemia, hypertension, lung function problem, hearing impairment, dyslipidemia, and obesity were higher in older workers. Conclusion: In general, this study can provide an overview of the health profile of Indonesian workers and can be a reference for the development of worker health programs. Individual programs can be given based on gender and age to maintain workers’ health and prevent further deterioration.

Introduction: The association between lead exposure and aggressive behaviour has been documented internationally. However, evidence among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries—particularly using non-blood-based exposure screening tools—remains limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between potential lead exposure and aggressive behaviour in adolescents. The study subjects were middle and high school students aged 13–18 years residing in Jakarta. Data on the potential lead exposure were obtained using a lead exposure risk questionnaire from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, while data on aggressive behaviour were collected using the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire Scale. The likelihood of aggressive behaviour was analysed using logistic regression. Results: The study, conducted between June and October 2024, involved 488 high school students from five municipalities in Jakarta. 76 students (15.6%) exhibited aggressive behaviour. It did not differ significantly by sex (p=0.817), parental education (p=0.916) or socioeconomic status (p=0.162). Potential lead exposure was significantly associated with aggressive behaviour (p=0.001), with a higher prevalence observed among participants reporting multiple exposure sources (p<0.001). Subjects with a potential lead exposure had a significantly higher likelihood of exhibiting aggressive behaviour (adjusted OR=10.0; 95% CI 1.32 to 77.3) compared with those not exposed. Residing in older buildings with deteriorating wall paint or furniture emerged as the sole significant source of potential lead exposure associated with elevated aggressive behaviour (adjusted OR=2.98; 95% CI 1.66 to 5.38). Additional risk factors included prior traumatic experiences, inadequate parental attention and frequent exposure to violent media. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant relationship between the potential lead exposure and aggressive behaviour. Improved policies for preventing lead exposure are necessary to protect the health of adolescents in Jakarta and the community from the long-term impacts of lead exposure.