Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Rhodamine B Exposure among Elementary Schoolchildren in Central Java, Indonesia
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Abstract
Introduction: The illegal use of industrial dyes such as Rhodamine B in foods poses serious health risks in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where enforcement of food safety regulations remains inconsistent. Rhodamine B, a xanthene-based dye used in textiles and cosmetics, is often added to snacks and beverages for its bright color and low cost, despite being banned for food use. Chronic ingestion can cause hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress, and DNA damage leading to carcinogenic effects. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller body weight, immature detoxification systems, and frequent consumption of inexpensive street foods.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the environmental health risks of Rhodamine B exposure among elementary school students in Ungaran, Central Java, Indonesia, using the Environmental Health Risk Assessment (EHRA) framework.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024 across 32 elementary schools. A total of 122 snack samples were purposively collected from canteens and surrounding vendors. Rhodamine B concentrations were determined using validated field test kits, with 10% of samples confirmed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry (r = 0.96, p < 0.001). Exposure assessment estimated daily intake based on ingestion rate, exposure frequency, and body weight. Risk characterization was performed by comparing intake with the USEPA reference dose (RfD = 0.2 mg/kg/day). Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and visualized with R 4.3.2.
Results: All snack categories contained detectable Rhodamine B levels (0.3–25.4 ppm), with flavored powders showing the highest mean (11.2 ± 7.8 ppm). Calculated Risk Quotients (RQ) ranged from 0 to 57,566,871.94, with an average of 28,783,435.97. Over 80% of samples exceeded the safe limit (RQ > 1), indicating unsafe exposure levels among schoolchildren.
Conclusions: Widespread contamination of children’s snacks with Rhodamine B highlights weak food safety governance and urgent need for policy reform, vendor regulation, and community education. Strengthening monitoring and awareness programs is essential to protect children from hazardous food dye exposure.
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References
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