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

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

Hearing loss workers testing gun shots

This study was carried out in a military factory on workers testing gun shots, to determine the hearting acuity of 92 workers exposed to that type of impact noise. A control groups of 50 subjects not occupationally exposed to noise were examined. The exposed and control groups were interviewed according to a previously prepared questionnaire and were subjected to otological examination. Pure tone audiometry was done to both groups. The resulting hearing loss of the exposed subjects was asymmetrical, with the great amount of hearing loss in the Lt ear [the ear opposite to the side of shooting]. Asymmetry or hearing loss was found to start at 2KHZ frequencies and increased with increasing duration of exposure

Computer program for periodic medical examination

Because of the different difficulties and defects facing the already present system of periodic medical examination, we proposed a modified set of principles for medical screening for occupational diseases listed in the Egyptian Schedule annex of the law No 79 for the year 1975. This proposal is presented in a computerized form using the C Language to facilitate the task of periodic medical examination. The program was tested in the Egyptian Iron and Steel Company

Auto exhaust pollution [in Cairo] and cardio respiratory disorders

Five hundred and five traffic policemen, busdrivers and garage mechanics from Greater Cairo were examined. Examination included full history taking, clinical examination of heart and chest, electrocardiogaraphic recordings, pulmonary function tests and estimation of blood lead and carboxyhaemoglobin. The results showed that the frequency distribution of chronic non specific respiratory diseases [CNRD] and cardiovascular diseases increase with age, duration of employment and in smokers. Hypertension and ischaemic heart diseases increased significantly with age, for policemen. The same was observed between Ischaemic heart diseases and duration of employment, in policemen also. A directly proportional relation was found between ischaemic heart diseases and carboxyhaemoglobin levels; the same was found between hypertension and blood lead levels. The results of ventilatory function tests showed that FVC% was unaffected; while FEV1% was reduced in the examined group. There was also a directly proportional relation of blood lead levels with duration of employment as well as carboxyhaemoglobin levels with both duration of employment and smoking. Smoking proved to play an important role in development and frequency distribution of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders; ii also influenced carboxyhaemoglobin levels. Policemen group was the most affected, if compared to drivers and mechanics in all the studied parameters