Chronic bronchitis, work - related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function among a group of welders in Zagazig area

A cross - sectional study was conducted to determine the respiratory effects of welding exposure. Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory functions were studied in 79 welders exposed to welding fumes and 90 non - welders as a control group. Both groups were matched for age, sex, height and smoking habits. Response to a standardized respiratory symptoms questionnaire, spirometry and across-shift changes in ventilatory function were compared. The results showed that, chronic bronchitis was more frequent in welders [21.5%] than in non - welders [6.7%]. Multivariate analysis revealed that current smoking as well as exposure to welding fumes for more than ten years were likely to be associated with chronic bronchitis. The report of any work-related respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, phlegm production, chest wheeze, dyspnea and chest tightness was significantly higher in welders [48.1%] when compared with non - welders [11.1%]. Multivariate analysis identified only long duration of welding exposure as the main risk factor for reporting these symptoms. Ventilatory lung function testing demonstrated significantly diminished forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV[1]] and mid - expiratory flow rate [MEFR] compared with control values. In the across - shift study. FEV[1] was significantly declined over the work exposure to welding fumes. In conclusion, this study indicates that exposure to welding fumes was associated with chronic bronchitis, work-related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function impairment. These manifistations mostly related to cigarette smoking and long duration of exposure. So. more efforts should be done to persuade welders to stop smoking. Improving the work environment and proper use of respiratory protective devices can reduce the respiratory health hazards of occupational exposure to welding fumes

relationship between eye discomfort symptoms and work with video display terminals among a group of computerists

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of subjective eye discomfort symptoms due to visual display terminal work, and its association with some confounding factors as age, sex, and daily work time. 93 computerists representing the exposed group and 78 office employees not using VDTs [referent group], were matched for age, sex and duration of employment All participants were interviewed and subjected to a pre-constructed, questionnaire inquiring on personal, occupational and medical histories, also questions asking about the occurrence of certain specific eight eye adverse symptoms were included. The results indicated that VDT workers, in computer and data processing services reported a statistically significant higher prevalence of eye discomfort symptoms compared with that of referents and the women suffered from significant more eye complaints than men. That prevalence was significantly associated with the increase in daily time of VDT use. We strongly recommend that VDT workers should be encouraged to have their vision tested and corrected for specific occupational tasks at regular intervals. Reducing the number of daily hours of VDT Use to 3 hours or fewer via increased rest breaks or scheduled ulternative work was also strongly advised

Prevalence and sequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among a group of dentists

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and sequences of musculo-skeletal symptoms among dentists. Sixty one active dentists and equal number of physicians answered a standardized Nordic questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. The dentists showed a significant higher prevalence of neck, shoulder, lower back, pelvis and foot symptoms. Dentists had an increased risk for back pain lasting more than 30 days [OR 5.78] when compared with physicians. Lower back and shoulder symptoms had caused more troubles for the dentists and had reduced their daily and Leisure activities. Ergonomic education and work organization are needed in dentistry work to overcome the occurrence and consequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists