Showing 26 results for Exposure
S A Sharifian, O Aminian, L Afshari Saleh ,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (2-2012)
Abstract
Introduction: Emergency personnel are usually exposed to needle stick injuries (NSI) and contamination with HBV, HCV & HIV. The cost of health and psychological effects of such injuries demonstrates the importance of evaluating its risk factors and preventing it. One of these factors is job stress.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among emergency personnel of 4 university hospitals in Tehran in 2008 - 2009. A triplex questionnaire was used including demographic features, Nordique psychological stress questionnaire and SPSS (Ver. 11) was used for analysis of the data.
Results: Tree hundred and fifty respondents including 162 (46.3%) males and 188 (53.7%) women, with an average age of 30±5.6 years including 146 residents (41.7%),43 interns (12.3%) & 161 nurses (46%) entered the study. Sixty nine persons (19.7%) reported a history of NSI and 99 persons (28.3%) had Blood and Body fluid exposure during last 3 months.158 persons (45.1%) were classified as low, 158 (45.1%) as moderate and 34 (9.8%) as severe stress level. there was not any significant difference between the proportion of NSI in different stress levels (P=0.374), but there was a significant difference in NSI proportion between nurses, and interns, residents (P=0.002).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the frequency of NSI & BBFE in emergency personnel is significant, especially in residents. So it’s necessary to have a program for reducing it. The stress level didn't influence the rate of NSI. We suggest doing a survey to study the relationship between NSI and job stress factors (such as workload, role ambiguity) separately.
A Soltanzadeh, D Eskandari, A Gholami , J Malakuti,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (10-2012)
Abstract
Background: Flour dust is one of the allergens in the workplaces and its occupational exposure can cause respiratory impairments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory effects of exposure to flour dust in flour mill workers.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at 6 flour producing factories in Razavi and South Khorasan provinces, Iran. Study subjects included 180 males (90 male workers with current exposure to flour dust and 90 male non-exposed employees). Determination of dust concentration was carried out with personal dust sampler at all production units of studied industries. Respiratory symptoms were investigated with American Thoracic Society questionnaire (Persian version). Lung function tests were done by a calibrated spirometer. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16).
Results: Mean of age and work experience of exposed group was 36.8±9.03 and 12.0±5.6 years, respectively. This result, for non-exposed group was 37.3±8.1 and 12.58±5.5 years, respectively. Atmospheric concentrations of respirable and inhalable dust were 13.3±2.38 and 38.77±3.6 mg/m3, respectively. Results indicated that prevalence of respiratory symptoms in exposed subjects was significantly higher than non-exposed workers. Likewise, pulmonary function parameters were significantly lower in exposed than reference group (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that occupational exposure to flour dust and age could be important factors predicting the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and functional impairment of the lungs
R Golmohammadi, H Amjad Sardrudi , A Dormohammadi , S Musavi ,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2012)
Abstract
Background: Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational diseases in the world. About 16% of hearing loss is associated with noise exposure in the workplaces. The aim of this research was investigation of the relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 on1062 workers in Tabriz Tractor Manufacturing Plant. In this study, the equivalent sound level (Leq) more than 85dB (A) was considered as exposure and hearing loss as outcome. A checklist of items was used in order to extract data from the workers' medical records which included age, work experience, duration of daily work in a noisy environment and hearing loss. Based on the results, a regression model was suggested.
Results: Total of 1062 workers under study, including 392 workers (36.9%) were exposed to equivalent sound level equal or more than 85dB (A) (exposed group) and 670 workers (63.1%) to less than 85dB (A) (non exposure group). Results showed that the hearing loss increased by age, noise exposure and work experience.
Conclusion: Based on the results, it is suggested to control noise exposure for studied workers and apply noise control mechanisms for reducing hearing loss, increase work efficiency and reduce cure costs. Suggested regression model can be used for prediction of NIHL in that workplace for care of hearing loss of studied workers.
Mj Zare Sakhvidi , A Barkhordari, M Salehi, Sh Behdad, Mh Fallahzade,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2012)
Abstract
Background: The Operation room personnel are exposed to anesthestic gases such as Isoflurane. The Chronic exposure to such substances will increase the risk of abortion as well as congenital malformations.
In this research, we have determined the amount of exposure to isoflurane gas in operation room air and the breathing zone of operation room personnel.
Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was done on the concentration of isoflurane in far & near zones in ear, throat and nose operation room of a hospital with OSHA103 method using charcoal tube and analyzed by gas chromatography devices with flame ionization detector (GC/FID).
Results: The average concentration of isoflurane gas was 4.059±4.073 mg/m3, Its maximum was19.597 mg/m3, its minimum was 0.122 mg/m3.
The result showed that in 47.9% of the samples in near area, 33.3% in far area and 40.6% of the total samples, the amount of contamination in breathing zone of operation room personnel was higher than the allowed concentration as proposed in national institute of safety and health The results showed that there are not differences between the measured concentration in far & near areas.
Conclusion: Contamination of isoflurane anesthetic gas is high in studied operating room. On the other hand the study showed that depending on the type of surgery, the generation rate of contamination in different days can be varied up to 17 times. So control measurement such as setting of air conditioning system and appropriate and standard cleaning in room and periodic monitoring of them is essential.
, ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background: Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metal which its toxicity and poisoning symptoms in workers of different industries (such as battery industry due to heavy use) is completely known. Important effects of this toxic metal are paralyzed wrist (nerve effects) as well as bone disease. The scope of this study is to evaluate the occupational exposure of workers of a battery industry to these pollutants.
Methods: In this study the exposure to lead metal was evaluated. Twenty four workers were selected as the exposed group and breathing zone air samples were taken from them. For sampling of particulates, sampling pump model SKC made in UK and cellulose ester membrane filter with 0.8-μm pore size, and 37 mm diameter were used. The whole sampling process and analysis of samples were performed according to the 7300 NIOSH method. The pump flow set to 2 L/min and the filter was fixed to the collar of worker by cassette filter holder. After sampling, the filters transferred to the laboratory and were digested in the mixtures of HNo3 and HCLo4. Then, they analyzed by ICP-AES instrument.
Results: The results are analyzed using SPSS18 with T-test and showed that 9 stations of 12 stations have higher results than mean average exposure to lead in this plant (75% of total sample), and the results of ELBACK station were more than others. The T-TEST showed a higher mean average exposure to lead in this plant. (Mean= 0.33mg/m3 S.D =0.48 P Value= 0.008)
Conclusion: The findings showed that health status of workers in these industries is at risk due to unauthorized amounts of this toxic metal. To reduce occupational exposure, using appropriate engineering controls (air conditioning), administrative management (eg reducing exposure time) are necessary.
Ziba Loukzadeh, Mona Torab Jahromi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: Welding is considered as an essential component of many industries and the National Institute for Safety and Health in 1988 estimated that at least two million workers are working as welder so knowing how to control occupational exposures in this industry, to protect and promote the health of welders is essential.
Methods: This reviewing article consists of several parts, including: definition and history of welding industry, introduction a variety of welding methods, occupational exposures in the welding industry, diseases caused by occupational exposures in this industry, hazard control techniques in welding industry and welders, health monitoring.
Results: Welders are exposed to a variety of physical and chemical hazards and a level of hazardous exposure in different welding methods also is different. Among the exposure factors that could be harmful, gases and fumes, heat stress, noise, non-ionizing radiations, ergonomic exposures and safety hazards are noted. Due to this exposure, welders are at risk of respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and ... as well as diseases caused by harmful physical agents.
Conclusion: After identification of exposures, using appropriate control methods including substitution, general and local ventilation, shielding protection, personal protective equipment, periodically health monitoring of welder, welder training, and compliance with laws and standards.
M Neghab, H Alipour, R Naziaghdam, N Salahshour, M Kazemi, Ab Rejaiefard,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: The main aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of fecundity and other reproductive problems among a group of farmers in Kavar district of Fars province, southern Iran.
Methods: A total of 268 randomly selected married male farm workers were investigated. A questionnaire was devised and validated (Cronbach’s α-coefficient (0.81)). Subjects were directly interviewed and the questionnaire forms were completed for them. The prevalence of current primary infertility among the studied population was about 7.4%. In addition, the delayed time-to-pregnancy index (TTP) was noted in 19.4% of subjects’ spouses. Similarly, 6.3% of farm workers had offsprings with congenital malformations. Finally, 1.5% and 9% of farmers’ wives had a history of stillbirth and abortion, respectively.
Results: It was concluded that the prevalence of current primary infertility and spontaneous abortion were significantly higher among farm workers families than in the normal population. Additionally, stillbirth was more common in the wives of farm workers than in the normal population, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion: These effects are likely to be attributed to the exposure of farm workers to pesticides.
M Jahangiri, M Jalali, Ch Saeidi, H Mohammadpour, H Mardi, J Mehr Alipour,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background: In the foam industries, workers are exposed to various chemicals and working with these chemicals without considering occupational safety and health considerations could lead to different harmful symptoms. Consequently, in order to control measures and reducing risk to acceptable level, it is necessary to assess the health risk of exposure to harmful chemicals by implementation of specific risk assessment techniques in the process industries. The purpose of this study was to assess the health risks arising from chemical exposures in a foam industry in order to identify high-risk occupations and provide guidelines to reduce the risk of employment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the polyurethane foam industry in 2012. In this study 13 men were examined: the mixer operator jobs (4 men), the operator Cutter (6 men) and repairs and maintenance (3 men). In order to assess the health risks of chemicals the proposed method by Singapore Institute of Occupational Safety and Health was used. First, job tasks and work process were determined and then different chemicals in each task identified and risk ranking was calculated in each job task by using of hazard and exposure rate. Finally, the risk level for each of the materials was obtained by interaction of these two parameters in the equation.
Results: The result showed that workers are exposed to 7 chemicals including toluene diisocyanate, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene diamine, tin acetate, methylene chloride, and calcium carbonate during their work in plant. Out of these 7 chemicals, the highest risk level was determined for toluene diisocyanate in the foam production operators (Cutter Operator). (risk=3.67)
Conclusion: Results showed that workers in the production unit exposed to high levels of toxic vapors of toluene diisocyanate and this leads to change in their spirometry parameters, especially decrease in the FVC and FEV1. Moreover, health risk assessment of harmful chemicals a applied, and appropriate method for job ranking by their risk level was used. These methods could be used for appropriate implementation and prioritization for control measures and reducing risk level to acceptable level.
Mj Zare Sakhvidi , H Mihanpoor, H Falahzadeh, M Mostaghaci, Gh Halvani, F Samouri,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background: expert judgments in combination with exposure models are used extensively in estimation of inhalational exposures in occupational environments. However, their reliability is not as good as conventional air sampling methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability, weaknesses and strengths of Bayesian analysis in combination with SSA (Structured Subjective Assessment Method) and MEASE (Material Estimated and Assessment of Substance Exposure) and its comparison with air sampling data.
Methods: the analytical cross sectional –study performed on a weighting, mixing and packing task in an inorganic processing industry. Air samples were taken and analyzed by gravimetric methods. Inhalation exposures were estimated by 3 occupational hygienists. Descriptive and Bayesian analysis were performed on data.
Results: all three methods guaranteed that the exposure is above exposure limit. There was no difference between means reported in methods (p=0.435). However, SSA had higher variability in comparison with sampling. There was no difference between direct sampling and MEASE variability. Use of SSA as a prior in Bayesian analysis gives more conservative than MEASE method (category 4: 0.74 vs. 0.54)
Discussion: SSA is a good choice as a prior distribution in Bayesian analysis. MEASE has not good results in comparison with SSA in inhalation exposure assessment. It seems that MEASE needs more validation.
Hamid Dehghan Tezerjani, Mohammad Javadi Zare Sakhvid, Ziba Loukzadeh, Naeimeh Keyghobady, Mehdi Zare, R Dorbidi,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic compounds can lead to systemic health effects if the substance is absorbed by the skin. Epidemiologic reports of PAH-exposed workers have noted increased incidences cancer. Methods: According to the low vapor pressure this material, the major route of occupational exposure in some jobs is through dermal exposure. The more common methods of assessing dermal exposure to these compounds have been investigated. Results: There are Different results regarding the effectiveness of various methods of assessing skin exposure to this class of compounds. However, tend to use quantitative methods and semi quantitative reverse rising in this field. Discussion: Assessment methods have advantages and disadvantage that researcher can be used one or more of the methods according to facilities. However, more research is needed in this field
H Kakoei, H Aghaei, J Shahtaheri, F Omidi, S Arefian, K Azam, Sh Resalati,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background: Asphalt workers are exposed to dangerous agents in his workplace that might result in occupational diseases. Benzo (a) pyrene as a human carcinogen, is emission from hot asphalt and asphalt workers are exposed with it. The aim of this study was, evaluation of respiratory exposure to benzo (a) pyrene among asphalt workers.
Method: In this study, 42 samples were collected from breathing zone of asphalt workers under supervision of Tehran Municipality. The samples were taken by sorbent tube and filter connected to a personal sampling pump. Analysis of samples were done by HPLC – UV.
Result: The results indicated that, of 42 samples, 71 percent equivalent to 30 samples, benzo (a) pyrene were detected. Screedman among all jobs has the highest concentration with a mean and standard deviation of 38.83 and 17.74 respectively. No benzo (a) pyrene was detected in oil man task in any of the samples. Scheffe test showed that screedman and roller driver have significant differences (0.03).
Conclusion: Result have shown that the concentration of benzo (a) pyrene was the most and least at screed man and roller driver jobs respectively. In addition occupational exposure to benzo (a) pyrene is lower than Threshold Limit Value by related organizations.
M Neghab, M Darvish, N Safdari,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background: Pesticides are chemical compounds used against vectors of human and animal diseases as well as plant pests. This study was undertaken to assess pulmonary reactions, if any, associated with occupational exposure to pesticides.
Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical study in which a group of 86 exposed (employees of a pesticide producing company) and 75 unexposed referent subjects (Paper board recycling factory workers) were investigated. A standard questionnaire used to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Additionally, the parameters of pulmonary function were measured at the first day of workweek before and after shift, and several days after exposure.
Results: Significant decrements were noted in some parameters of pulmonary function after exposure. Similarly, mean values of all parameters of pulmonary function, both prior to and after exposure were significantly lower than those of referent individuals. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm and wheezing in the exposed group was significantly higher than those of referent subjects.
Conclusion: Significant, chronic, irreversible, and acute, partially reversible, decrements in parameters of pulmonary function of exposed subjects observed in this study indicate that exposure to pesticides is associated with ventilatory disorders and reduced pulmonary capacities.
A Nasri, B Jebelli, T Nasrabadi, H Hadizadeh, E Ghazanchaei,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Introduction:
Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene (BTEX) are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with similar physical and chemical characteristics. BTEX existing in gasoline releases to the air in result of the gasoline evaporation and the staffs are exposure to it in gasoline stations. The main goal of this project is to determine the risk of occupational exposure to BTEX compounds among workers in selected gasoline stations in Kerman and calculate the quantitative cancer and non cancer risk values of these defined compounds.
Methodology:
To achieve this goal, the air sample of 54 workers in 6 gasoline stations (the suburbs and downtown) were collected in three times morning, noon and night (that the fuel is discharged from the fuel tanker to the gasoline tank, in one of these three times) by sampling pumps. The samples were then transferred to the laboratory and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID).
Result:
The findings represent that the average concentration of BT during discharging the fuel from the tanker to the gasoline tank is higher than the average concentration of BT in the rest of sample. The Cancer risk for workers exposed to benzene is estimated in the range of 1.11×10- 2 – 8.22×10- 4. A quantitative non-cancer risk values for benzene, Toluene is also calculated in the range of 134-9.83, 0.699- 0.217.
Conclusions:
The results shows that the average concentrations of benzene in the air is higher than permissible limit proposed by Technical Committee of Occupational Hygiene (0.5 ppm or 1,600 μg/m 3), While Toluene are less than the permissible limit. As well, it is shown that the cancer risk benzene is high among workers in studied gasoline stations.
Mohsen Aliabadi, Hosna Hatami, Mozhgan Ardestani, Maryam Farhadian,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background:
Due to the increase of public concern about the physical and psychological effects of radiation on the health of cell phone users, the present study aimed to determine public exposure to microwave propagation from current cell phones in different user conditions.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, the effective intensity of microwave radiation from cell phone were measured in different user conditions during call establishment, conversion, short massage and Bluetooth. Microwave meter HI 2200 model made by Holaday Co. was used to measure radiation according to the standard method No.C93.5. Shielding effectiveness of anti radiation covers for cell phone during call establishment was also determined.
Results:
The effective intensities of microwave radiation emitted from cell phones were equaled to 51.4±31.6μW/cm2,42.7±30.9μW/cm2,8.6±7.1μW/cm2,1.3±0.2 μW/cm2 during call establishment, conversion, short massage and Bluetooth, respectively which were lower than the exposure limits.
There was not statistical significance between intensities of microwave radiation of cell phones based on the maker companies (Pvalue >0.05). Correlation between specific absorption rate and microwave intensity of cell phones were significant (Pvalue<0.01).
Conclusion:
Although the microwave intensities of cell phones was lower than the exposure limits, however, due to the failure to obtain conclusive evidence on the health effects of radiation exposure on humans, it seems to be necessary to inform users about health risks , reduce conversation time as possible and use standard cell phone covers.
S Mohammadi Kaji, Mj Zare Sakhvidi, A Barkhordari, M Mostaghaci, F Zare Sakhvidi, R Ghorbani, R Soltani Gerdefaramarzi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Inhalation exposure to dust is one of the most common adverse environmental factors that can have adverse effect on the health of employees. In this study, dust inhalation exposure of workers with different methods as well as GIS was investigated.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on the sample size based on results of homogeneous exposure groups (SEG). Environmental and personal exposure assessments were performed according to standard methods and personal and environmental sampling. The collected data were analyzed based on American industrial hygiene association (AIHA), and then analyzed by using GIS software for mapping the distribution.
Results: The average dust exposure by each individual among the workers within homogeneous exposure groups was 8.61 mg/m3. The highest exposure by each individual was 21.13 mg/m3 that belonged to pulverizer operator and the lowest was 1.97 mg/m3, which was belonged to fine wire operator. The lowest environment concentration was observed in the cutting salon (0.05 mg/m3), and the highest values found in powder salon (22 mg/m3). Exposure management based on AIHA methods showed that the powder, packing and preparation sections have the highest concentration, and cutting section has the lowest values. Exposure management based on GIS techniques showed higher number of at risk employees in comparison with common strategies.
Conclusion: Use of SEG practices in combination with GIS can enhance the quality of respiratory exposure assessment in occupational environments. GIS plays an important role in the screening of air pollution in the working environment by providing a set of services including the possibility of classification into different areas and creating a report based on the map
Mehdi Asghari, Parvin Nassiri, Mohammadreza Monazzam, Farideh Golbabaei, Marzieh Abbasinia, Masoumeh Chavoshi,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (1-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: One ways to prevent heat stress illness and protect workers is regional and national legislation and international standards about heat stress. If these regulations and standards are implemented correctly, they can be very effective and efficient. The aim of this review research was studying the importance of heat stress, the ways of prevention of heat related illnesses based on the emphasis on the regulations and standards of heat stress.
Methods: In this review study some keywords, including "regulations, standards and thermal stress" using literature search was retrieved, in different occupational health and safety websites such as Safe Work Australia, OSHA, NIOSH and other international organizations during the period from 1992 to 2014.
Conclusion: The results showed that legislations and standards are positive steps towards the prevention of heat stress illness in developed and developing countries, unfortunately, some problems occur when running the requirements. Many employers are concerned about the costs that they must paid to their workers due to the heat related illness, and often looking for a legal way to avoid paying it. Although with legislations and standards about heat stress, the workers can complain to the legal authorities in the absence of preventive measures and salary, complain to the authorities, but they rarely do it because of fear of losing their jobs. So, legislations, especially in developing countries do not have enough efficiency and remain only as a document.
Mohammadreza Monazzam, Hamed Jalilian, Kamran Najafi, Yahya Khosravi, Mojtaba Zokaie, Zahra Zamanian,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (4-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the pollutants that is developing in human life day by day is Magnetic field. In modern urban transport systems, diesel motors have been replaced with electric motors, working with alternating and direct currents, and leading to occupational exposure of drivers with magnetic fields. This study aimed to determine the urban train's drivers exposure with static magnetic fields and compare it with national occupational exposure limits.
Methods: In order to measure the train's drivers exposured with static magnetic field, several samples were selected from urban AC and DC and AC intercity trains, in the 1,2,4, and 5 lines of Tehran, Iran. After determination of the sampling location, static magnetic field was measured by three axes magnetic field meter (HI-3550), according to the standard IEEE std C95.3.1 and previous studies. In order to analyze the data, SPSS software (ver. 20) was used.
Results: The maximum exposure of drivers was in DC trains- line 2- (0.52 mT), meanwhile, average exposure of AC trains driver (0.095 mT) was higher than DC trains driver (0.081 mT). The average magnetic flux density between different lines has not have significant differences. The highest levels of time-weighted average exposure were related to line 1 AC train drivers (0.06 mT).
Conclusion: Exposure of train’s drivers was 10 time higher than background level, indicating a significant exposure in this job. However, in none of the assessment situation, the whole body exposure of train’s drivers was not exceeded from National Occupational Exposure Level (TWA= 0.2 and ceiling= 2 T). Of course, it does not imply that this level of exposure is completely safe, because different studies have reported health problems even at lower values of the magnetic field.
Gholamreza Pouryaghoub, Ramin Mehrdad, Farzaneh Chavoshi,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background: Exposure to noise can induce hearing loss. Thus noise induced hearing loss is one of the main concerns in interventional study on health effect of noise exposure. We analyzed pre and post exposure audiometeries of volunteers in a clinical trial study that we conducted for effect of noise exposure on cardiovascular system. Methods: In a clinical trial study, 100 healthy, 20-40 aged, volunteer men exposed to 90 dB noise for 30 minute. We take pre and post exposure pure tone audiometric test from all of subjects. Results: Mean of PTA among 100 subjects was reduced 0.72 dB in right ear and 0.44 dB in left ear. Mean of hearing threshold in each of 250, 500, 3000, 4000 and 8000HZ frequencies rise in left ear and was reduced in all of other frequencies in right and left ear. Conclusion: Results of our study indicated that short term exposure to 90 dB noise in interventional studies cannot produce clinically significant hearing loss.
Keivan Saedpanah, , Shaker Saedpanah, Samaneh Salari,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: textile industry due to noise pollution may cause noise annoyance. Noise annoyance can increase the risk of health problems and sleep disturbance. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the effect of noise annoyance on the sleep disturbance among workers of a textile industry.
Material and Method: All the workers have been divided into four groups according to their noise exposure levels, including Knitting unit, Screw warp and sizing, Control area and Reel Decal. The equivalent A weighted noise levels were measured for each of the study working groups, using ISO 9612 standard method. Information related to the noise annoyance and sleep disturbance were determined by ISO15666 standard and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, respectively.
Result: Based on the analysis of variance, average noise annoyance caused by occupational groups, age and work experience was different. Two independent samples t-test showed that the education does not significantly associated with noise annoyance. Kruskal - Wallis showed that the mean score of sleep disorder are significant differences between occupational groups. According to this test sleep disorder was significantly associated with the noise annoyance.
Conclusion: In this study, workers with more noise annoyance had more sleep disturbance.
Therefore, in addition to the direct effects of noise on sleep disturbance, it can indirectly exacerbate sleep disturbances.
, , , , , ,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Recognition of maternal exposure to solvents and its relationship with congenital heart defects in infants can be effective in identifying effective environmental factors in the occurrence of anomalies. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal occupational exposure to solvent and birth congenital heart defects in infants.
Method: In this case control study, 200 infants referred to Afshar Hospital of Yazd, who had congenital heart defects, were included in the sample as well as 400 healthy matched infants. A questionnaire consisting of three parts was used as a tool. The questionnaires were completed through a telephone interview. Mothers' job information was extracted from the questionnaires and a survey of maternal care was done using a matrix of job evaluation. Demographic characteristics were assessed by statistical tests. The relationship between occupational exposure to solvent and anomalies was calculated using odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios.
Results: The maternal occupational exposure to solvents in the case sample (91.5%) was significantly higher than the control sample (83.2%), and this relationship was statistically significant (OR = 2/16, 95% CI=1/21-4/05) after the elimination of the effect of interfering factors, there was no significant difference between mother's exposure to solvent and cardiac anomalies in infants (AOR = 1.85 , 95% CI=0/69-5).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that one of the factors that may affect the health of the fetus is the mother's contact with solvents. In this regard, mothers' training on compliance with occupational safety standards can have a significant effect on occupational exposure control.
Keywords: Solvents, Congenital Heart Defects, Occupational Exposure, Job Evaluation Matrix.
