Risk of Acute Respiratory Tract Disorders Related to Sulfur Dioxide (So₂) Exposure in Informal Sector Workers (Study on Pinasungkulan Market Traders)

Traditional market traders are informal sector workers who are very vulnerable to exposure to air pollution due to long working durations in open environments with local emission sources. Acute exposure to Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) has the potential to cause acute respiratory distress, but studies that specifically link exposure risk parameters to acute health impacts from an occupational health perspective in this group are limited. This study aims to analyze the risk of acute respiratory distress related to real-time exposure to SO₂ and formulate workplace-based prevention recommendations for traders at Pinasungkulan Market Manado. The study used a cross-sectional design with quantitative (Environmental Health Risk Analysis/ARKL) and qualitative (interview) approaches. A sample of 50 traders was selected purposively. SO₂ concentration data were measured using a pararosaniline spectrophotometer, while worker characteristics and respiratory complaints data were collected through structured interviews. Real-time Risk Quotient (RQ) is calculated for each respondent. The results showed that the average real-time SO₂ RQ value was 1.2552 (RQ>1), with 70% of respondents having an RQ of >1 indicating acute exposure at risk. There was a significant relationship between the risk category of RQ (high/moderate) and the prevalence of cough complaints and throat irritation. The main source of SO₂ is sporadic waste burning in market areas. It was concluded that traders as informal sector workers experienced acute exposure to SO₂ which is at risk of causing acute respiratory distress. Workplace-based prevention recommendations include controlling the source of waste incineration, zoning and rotation of workers, as well as the provision of respirator personal protective equipment with a specific filter of SO₂ gas accompanied by occupational health education