Respiratory Disorders Among Workers in Slaughterhouses

BACKGROUND: Workers in slaughterhouses are exposed to a wide range of biological contaminants, such as bacteria and fungi, due to their working environment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory disorders among workers in slaughterhouses. METHODS: This study was conducted on 81 workers in slaughterhouses and 81 healthy office workers as a reference group. The American Thoracic Society standard respiratory symptoms questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of respiratory disorders. Besides, lung function tests were conducted using a calibrated spirometer at the beginning (preshift) and at the end (postshift) of the 1st working day. Single-stage Anderson sampler was used to measure the concentration of bioaerosols in different parts of slaughterhouses. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory disorders, such as cough, productive cough, breathlessness, phlegm, and wheezing, was 3.17, 4.02, 3.07, 4.66, and 3.94 times, respectively, higher among workers in slaughterhouses compared with the reference group. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of respiratory disorders was significantly higher among workers in slaughterhouses. Thus, the significant reduction in the percentage predicted lung function among workers in slaughterhouses might be associated with exposure to bioaerosols in their work environment.

[Comparison of the effect of low-glycemic index versus low-fat diet on the body weight and plasma lipid profile in obeses women]

The rate of carbohydrate absorption after a meal, as quantified by glycemic index, has an effect on postprandial hormonal and metabolic response. The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of low-glycemic index diet, versus low-fat diet on the body weight, BMI, WHR [waist/hip ratio] and plasma lipid profile of obese patients. A randomized controlled trial compared the effect of two dietary treatments [low glycemic index and low fat] in 46 adults, ages 18 to 55 years old, BMI >27, who proceeded to Motahary Clinic in Shiraz, Iran. Body weight, BMI, WHR [waist/hip ratio], fast and post-prandial Plasma lipid profile [Triacylglycerol, total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C concentration] level of obese women were measured at the beginning and end of 6 weeks. Changes in Body weight, BMI, WHR [waist/hip ratio] and Plasma lipid profile [Triacylglycerol, total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C concentration] were significant in both dietary groups. But no significant differences were observed in any parameter measured between two groups, except for the post-prandial HDL-C in which significant difference were observed. From these findings, it can be concluded that the isolated bacterial strain can utilize Organ phosphorus pesticides as a source of carbon and phosphorus. Utilization of these compounds by soil microorganisms is a crucial phenomenon by which these compounds are removed from the environment, thus, preventing environmental pollution. Both diets can equally be effective in decreasing the body weight and Plasma lipid profile