Mapping of Environmental Health Risks Due to Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure Among Traders at Bersehati Market in Manado City

Abstract

Air pollution, particularly from carbon monoxide (CO) in vehicle emissions, poses a health threat to chronically exposed populations, including traders in traditional markets. Bersehati Market in Manado is a shopping center with high vehicle activity, potentially leading to increased ambient CO concentrations. This study aimed to analyze the non-carcinogenic environmental health risks due to CO gas exposure among traders at Bersehati Market. This observational study with an Environmental Health Risk Assessment (EHRA) approach was conducted from March to July 2025. Ambient air samples were measured at three different points and times (morning, afternoon, evening) using a Carbon Monoxide Meter, and exposure characteristics (duration, frequency, length) and anthropometric data were collected from 30 purposively selected trader respondents. Risk analysis was performed by calculating the intake and Risk Quotient (RQ) for both real-time and lifetime (70 years) exposure. The measurement results showed an average CO concentration of 348.67 µg/m³, with the highest concentration of 973 µg/m³ at a morning measurement point. However, all concentrations remained below the threshold set by Indonesian Government Regulation No. 41 of 1999 (30,000 µg/m³). The average real-time intake was 0.018 mg/kg/day, while the lifetime intake was 0.009 mg/kg/day. The highest real-time RQ value was 0.02788 and the highest lifetime RQ was 0.03584. Since all RQ values were < 1, this study concludes that, statistically, CO exposure to traders at Bersehati Market does not yet indicate a significant non-carcinogenic health risk, either under current conditions or in long-term projections. Nonetheless, the long daily exposure duration and fluctuating CO concentrations necessitate ongoing vigilance and monitoring.