Analisis Kandungan Timbal dan Tingkat Pengetahuan Guru tentang Timbal pada Mainan Edukatif di Taman Kanak-Kanak Medan Baru

Abstract

Lead is a heavy metal commonly used as a coloring agent in paint. It can enter the environment and the human body through various sources, including gasoline, recycling products, paints, pipes, soil, cosmetics, traditional medicine, and toys. Children, being more vulnerable during their developmental stages, are at higher risk of lead absorption than adults. This research aims to analyze the lead levels in the urine of kindergarten children to assess if the levels meet the standard limit for lead in urine, also to evaluate the knowledge about lead among teachers at kindergartens in Medan Baru district. This descriptive study observed level 3 kindergarten, with a research population consisting of 10 teachers and 12 children’s urine samples. All teachers (100%) were female, with 6 (60%) teachers aged between 46 and 55 years, and 6 (60%) teachers holding a bachelor’s degree. Among the 12 urine samples, 2 samples exceeded the lead standard limit (0.15 mg/L), with levels of 0.368 mg/L and 1.16 mg/L, while the other 10 fell within the limit. The duration of toy usage in the kindergartens was found to be appropriate. The knowledge level of teachers assessed was at 60%, indicating a moderate level of knowledge. The school administration needs to actively select and provide safe educational toys for the children. Teachers should monitor, provide, and research appropriate and safe educational toys. Local education authorities need to actively provide information and knowledge to schools and teachers regarding the selection of good and safe educational toys, as well as emphasize the importance of closely monitoring the products used in children’s learning and play activities.