[Estimation of aerobic capacity and determination of its associated factors among male workers of industrial sector of Shiraz city, 2010]

In order to physiologically fit the job to the worker's capability, maximum aerobic capacity [VO[2]-max] is used. This study was conducted to estimate VO[2]-max and determine its associated factors among workers of industrial sector of Shiraz city. In this cross-sectional study, 500 healthy male workers employed in Shiraz city industries participated voluntarily. Subjects' aerobic capacity was assessed by ergocycle test according to Astrand protocol for 6 minutes. A questionnaire consisted of two parts covering demographic, anthropometric and physiological characteristics was used as data collecting tool. Mean and standard deviation of age of workers was 32.01 and 7.66 years, respectively. worker's aerobic capacity was estimated to be 2.69 +/- 9.263 1.min [-1]. The results showed that there was association between VO[2]-max and age, weight and BMI while no association was found between VO[2]-max and height. Also, statistical analysis revealed association between VO[2]-max and smoking and exercise per week [p<0.05]. Nature of work, shift working, job satisfaction and fatigue had no association with aerobic capacity. Based on the results, regression equations were developed for estimation of aerobic capacity. Aerobic capacity had association with age, weight, BMI, exercise and smoking

[Epidemiological study of respiratory disorders induced by occupational inhalation of talc powder in rubber factory workers in Shiraz]

Talc powder is extensively used as a lubricant in rubber industry. However the nature of its respiratory effects, if any, has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the pulmonary reactions associated with occupational exposure to talc dust. This is a analytical study in which 97 talc- exposed workers and 110 unexposed employees as the reference group were randomly selected from a local rubber industry. Standardized respiratory questionnaires were administered to the subjects. They underwent chest X-ray and were examined by a specialist for any possible respiratory abnormality to be diagnosed. Furthermore, Pulmonary Function Tests [PFTs] were performed just before and after the work shift. Moreover, to assess the extent of exposure to talc dust, using standard methods, inhale able and reparable dust concentrations were measured in different dusty worksites. The data were analyzed by standard statistical tests using SPSS software. The average [mean +/- SD] age [years], weight [kg], height [cm] and duration of exposure to talc dust [years] for the exposed group were 35.8 +/- 6.75, 73.1 +/- 9.2, 173.2 +/- 5.9 and 11.79 +/- 5.3 respectively. The corresponding values for the non- exposed group were 36.1 +/- 6.87, 73.36 +/- 8.1, 172.2 +/- 5.7 and 0 +/- 0, respectively. Atmospheric concentrations of inhaleable and respirable talc dust were found to be 41.8 +/- 23.52 and 19.8 +/- 8.04 mg/m[3], [mean +/- SD], respectively. Talc exposed subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Similarly, PFTs revealed that exposure to this lubricating agent was associated with significant decreases in the mean percentage predicted of vital capacity [VC], forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1]. Moreover, there was a sharp reduction in some parameters of pulmonary function such as VC, FVC and FEV1, over the work shift. Chest radiographs of exposed workers showed evidence of chronic inflammatory process. These results which are in full agreement with the preliminary observations support the notion that occupational; exposure to talc is associated with both acute and chronic respiratory disorders and induces bronchitis and interstitial lung disease