OCCUPATIONAL NOISE AND NERVOUS SYSTEM CANCER RISK: A STUDY AMONG WELDING WORKERS IN GIANYAR 2025

Abstract

Occupational noise exposure is a major health risk that not only causes hearing problems but may also trigger long-term systemic effects. This study was conducted on 35 welding workshop workers in the working area of UPTD Puskesmas Gianyar I in 2025 to examine the association between noise intensity and subjective hearing complaints. The results showed an average noise level of 83.7 dBA (range 60.7–101.0 dBA), approaching the permissible exposure limit of 85 dBA, with most complaints classified as moderate (77.2%). Fisher Exact Test analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between noise intensity and hearing complaints (p = 0.012; CC = 0.434). Biologically, chronic noise exposure can increase oxidative stress, inflammation, sleep disturbance, and immune suppression. These mechanisms may create conditions that promote carcinogenesis, including in nervous tissue. Several studies have suggested an association between long-term noise exposure and nervous system tumors, such as acoustic neuroma. So, occupational noise should be regarded not only as a risk factor for hearing impairment but also as a potential contributor to nervous system cancer when exposure persists without proper control. These findings highlight the importance of workplace noise management and hearing protection as part of preventive occupational health strategies and as a means to reduce long-term cancer risks.

Keywords : Noise, Welding workshop, Nervous system cancer