Women, work and health in Egypt

The special occupational health problems of working women are recognized in both the developing and industrialized countries. In the former, heavy physical work, the double work burden of job and family, less developed working methods and traditional social roles are the factors that increase the burden of female workers. In the industrialized countries, where women also have the double work burden, lower-paid manual jobs are often left to female workers. Also the design of machinery and work tools are often made according to male anthropometry although female workers use such equipments. Women may also face problems of occupational exposures that are hazardous to reproductive health. In many service occupations the female workers may be exposed to the threat of violence from clients or to sexual harassment from fellow workers. Egyptian working females represent about 22% of the total labor force in Egypt. Seventeen percent of female working force is involved in agricultural activities. About 32% of females are sharing by more than half of their earning in house hold expenses. Some studies indicate a higher than average risk of unemployment among female workers which may also have negative social and health consequences on families. We recommend that women's legislative aspects for work should be strictly complied. Women's overtimes and night shifts should be limited very strictly. Certain type of jobs should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. We should encourage research studies to ensure women's safety and ameliorate workplace health

Effect of occupational lead-exposure on blood pressure, serum aldosterone level and plasma renin activity

The present study aimed to investigate the association between occupational lead-exposure and elevated blood pressure as well as serum aldosterone level and plasma renin activity as parameters affecting blood pressure. Fifty occupationally lead-exposed [16 males and 34 females] and 50 non-exposed [15 males and 34 females] workers were selected after the application of certain exclusion criteria. All workers were admitted to complete clinical examination including standard blood pressure measurement. Also, blood lead level, serum aldosterone concentration and plasma reran activity were estimated. The results of both occupationally lead-exposed males and females demonstrated no significant differences regarding age, work duration, systolic and diastolic blood pressures when compared with occupationally non- exposed males and females, respectively. In addition, occupationally lead-exposed males and females revealed a significant increase in blood lead level and serum aldosterone concentration compared with controls. Moreover, plasma renin activity is significantly decreased among the lead-exposed male workers; while it is significantly increased among the lead-exposed female workers in comparison with the controls

Serum melatonin rhythms and prolactin levels in workers exposed to electeomagnetic fields around high voltage electric power lines

One of the more contentious issues in the scientific community today is that of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields [EMFs] and whether or not they adversely affect our health. Many authors studied the effect of EMFs on melatonin and prolactin serum levels. Our results revealed a significant reduction of serum melatonin levels and an increase in prolactin secretion in workers exposed to EMFs around high voltage power lines. A significant correlation was detected between the reduction in serial measurements of melatonin levels and the strength of electric fields, while no such correlation was detected concerning prolactin level. Although negative correlation was found between serial melatonin levels and duration of exposure, yet it was not significant. Previous studies reported that reduction of melatonin increases cell vulnerability to alteration by carcinogenic agents. Concerning prolactin, no such correlation was detected. We recommended periodic screening tests for early detection of cancer in high risk workers

Nephrotoxic effects of silica dust

The hypothesis of chronic nephropathy in association with silica exposure is supported by several epidemiologic studies. Our study investigates the adverse effects of silica exposure on the kidneys, in both silicotic and non-silicotic workers. The studied population included an exposed group [n=112], working as millers in the manufacture of bricks, and in underground mining, and a referent group [n=51] matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status. Our results revealed renal affection caused by silica exposure which was proved to occur earlier than chest manifestations of silicosis and that laminin levels serve as an early indicator of renal dysfunction. Also laminin levels show positive correlation with the duration of exposure

Occupational lead exposure and kidney functions

Cases included 90 workers occupationally exposed to lead for a period of 15 +/- 3.2 years. An equal number of controls were selected from workers who had never reported occupational expoure to lead. Levels of current as well as remote exposure to lead were higher among exposed compared to the controls. Total urinary protein levels were nearly the same in both groups but urinary alpha 1 microglobulin was significantly higher in the exposed group. The high levels of the alpha 1 microglobulin were positively correlated with blood lead levels, urinary sigma amino levulinc acid, hair lead concentrations and duration of exposure to lead. All lead exposure parameters as well as urinary alpha microglobulin returned back to levels comparable to those of the controls after cessation of exposure for 120 days

Early detection of nephrotoxic effects due to low-dose exposure of cadmium among cigarette smokers

The effects of low-level exposure to cadmium due to cigarette smoking on renal function were judged by the estimation of urinary levels of total proteins, cadmium, alpha-1-microglobulin [alpha1 M] and glutathione S-transferase [GST] activity among 50 males [38 smokers and 12 control. non-smokers]. Elevated urinary cadmium levels [2.408-28.160; 9.31 +/- 7.1 micro g cd/gm urine creatinine] were observed among the majority of smokers [24 cases, 63.16%] and these levels showed a positive correlation with age and smoking index. Furthermore, urine total proteins [115.18-652.14, 242.89 +/- 121.88 mg Protein/gm urine creatinine] were increased suggesting glomerular involvement among 20 cases [52.63%] of smokers. In addition, urinary alpha1 M levels [14.645-86.053; 34.05 +/- 16.83 mg alpha1 M /gm urine creatinine] and urinary GST activity [0.0-0.008; 0.00015 +/- 0.0002 micro mol/min/100 micro1/gm urine creatinine] were elevated among 18 [47.37%] and 20 [52.63%] cages of smokers respectively. Since urinary alpha1 M and GST originate from renal proximal tubules, the data of the present investigation could reflect early low-level cadmium exposure nephrotoxic effect on both the glomeruli and tubules

Breast changes in workers engaged in the manufacture of sex hormones

Numerous studies have established an association between sex hormones and the risk of developing neoplastic disease. It is of course, well known that both the risk of certain tumours occurring in women such as cancer of the breast and the endometrium and the prognosis in the event of their occurrence, are strongly related to endogenous hormones. It is quite justifiable to ask questions about the significance of exogenous hormones in relation to such diseases. This work was performed in one of the companies engaged in manufacturing of sex hormones. All workers already present and those transfered from this section have been examined for the presence of any breast mass or scar of previous operation. Pathological reports have been reviewed and correlated with the duration of exposure; age of workers, parity, and family history. Hormonal assay was performed for all exposed workers