Study of the effects of chronic diseases and injuries on industrial workforce in Alexandria

A study was conducted to find the magnitude of physical impairments and disabilities resulting from chronic diseases and injuries in relation to claims of inability to carry on work within a year duration. The population chosen for this study was the industrial workers presented to the job turn-over Comittee at Alexandria Health Insurance within a period of one year [3600 workers]. They presented with different degrees of physical defects and disability resulting from either chronic diseases or injuries. Collected data included personal informations, occupational history and clinical diagnosis. Evaluation of these disabilities was done through history, examination and laboratory investigations. Determination of the degree of disability and limitation was based on the measurement of function in respect to general capacity. Re-placement of the disabled worker was done according to the health and physical defects. Workers were grouped into industrial sectors according to the Occupational Health Committee at Alexandria Health Insurance [1984]. Results obtained in this study revealed that 767 workers [21.31%] of those presented to the Committee were shifted to light work, 7.17% of them were female workers. This proportion of disabled workers in respect to all industrial sectors was significantly higher than overall proportion for all sectors except the Petroleum, spinning and weaving and related industries. The mean age of these workers was 43.722 +/- 8.758 years and the mean work duration was 18.846 +/- 8.876 years. Causes of these physical impairments were mainly vision defects [25.29%], 1ocomotor system impairment [19.29%], respiratory diseases [18.77%] and heart diseases [17.86%]

Some clinical findings among workers manufacturing pesticides

This study was conducted to evaluate the health effects, of pesticides on a group of exposed workers in a manufacturing plant. Data were derived by interviewing a population of 264 exposed male workers for symptoms and history of exposure. Medical and occupational histories were recorded in detail. Physical examination included general examination, measurement of blood pressure, auscultation of the heart and lungs and special examination dictated by the history. The control group consisted of 50 workers of similar age, sex, educational and socioeconomic background as the exposed workers. They were never occupationally exposed to pesticides of any kind. Blood samples were collected from each examined worker for the determination of plasma and R.B.C. cholinesterase activities. Present results revealed that hypertensive diseases, neuroses and other personal disorders, liver and gall-bladder manifestations, headache, dermatitis, urinary tract conditions and impotence were more frequent among exposed workers. Inhibition of cholinesterase activities were met among 14.02% of the exposed workers compared to none of the controls. It was also found that previously mentioned health disorders were significantly more common among those having cholinesterase activity depression. No differences were found as regard the relationship between cholinesterase activity and previous history of acute intoxication. On the other hand, present data revealed that workers exposed to pesticides for a longer duration [more than 20 years] have more reduction in cholinesterase activity

Cervical condition and nature of work

A study was conducted to estimate the relation between the nature of work and cervical spondylosis. The population studied were the first 300 patients who were suffering from cervical spondylosis and who were attending the phtsiotherapy unit of the health insurance for treatment. Cases giving history of non-occupational head and/or neck trauma or congenital anomalies were rejected. Data from the remaining sample [n=269] were collected using a questionnaire which included items as regard personal, detailed and careful occupational, past and present histories. Each of the cases were examined clinically and radiologically for evidence of cervical spondylosis. Occupations were graded according to their effects on neck suppleness into heavy, medium and light. Recreational activities were also grouped according to the neck involvement into major, intermediate and low. Results obtained in this study revealed that the condition was more prevalent in men than women. The mean age of these cases were 49.93 +/- 7.42 years. The highest proportions of cases suffering from spondylosis were mainly those engaged in jobs included in the light group of occpations [n=152, 56.50%]. This finding was explained by the fact that these jobs were characterised by excessive and continuous flixion and extension movement of the neck which are considered harmfull for the cervical spines. Another fact was that in this group, a significant proportion was carrying recreational activities which were considered as major neck involvement. It was also noticed that the degree of severity in affection of cervical spines was greater among cases engaged in jobs of the heavy group of occupations. This finding may be explained by the fact that this group is more exposed to occupational trauma to head and neck than other groups. It was also found that the mid and lower cervical regions were the most affected spines. These spines are usually more vulnerable due to their site as well as due to their great mobility.

Evaluation of some biochemical changes related to liver among workers manufacturing pesticides

This study was done on 250 non-bilharzial non-alcoholic male workers in a pesticide manufacturing plant, exposed to different types of pesticides and other 50 non-exposed controls. Each worker was subjected to full clinical history and examination as well as biochemical and hematological analysis. Results indicated that exposure to pesticides has not results in enlargements of the liver and/or spleen. It leads to significant inhibition of ChES activity. Other biochemical changes were in the form of hypoglycemia, hypocholesteremia, increase in triglycerides and increase in serum GGT activity

Effect of exposure to grain dust on respiratory system of exposed workers

A study was conducted in a factory concerned with storage of grain. The target population were all exposed workers [n= 32]. A control group [n= 32] matched as regards age, sex, socio-economic conditions and with no past or present history of grain dust exposure was examined similarly. The results revealed that exposure to grain dust resulted in an increase in prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the form of rhinitis and sinusitis, and bronchitis. The non-respiratory symptoms were in dermatitis. A significant decrease in lung function test was also found in the of a significant lowering in FEV1.0 / VC% and measured VC/ predicted VC% values. Chest radiographic examination revealed no abnormal findings among all exposed workers

effect of a suggested barrier cream as a prophylactic measure for control of petroleum acne and folliculitis

A prophylactic cream formula composed of lanolin and zinc oxide was used among workers exposed to petroleum derivatives as a mean for the control and prevention of petroleum acne and folliculitis. A population of 57 workers suffering from petroleum acne and folliculitis was taken from the Occupational Medicine Center. All workers except three cases continued our study [54 workers]. After giving them treatment till complete cure of the lesion the suggested prophylactic cream was given alone to each worker, for 3 months duration with continuation of exposure. Workers were checked continuously for any recurrence. After stopping application of the proposed prophylactic cream workers were followed up for a year duration. They were considered as a control match case during use of prophylactic cream and without using it. Results obtained revealed that application of the suggested prophylactic formula i.e. Lanolin and zinc oxide proved that no recurrence occurred among exposed workers under prophylaxis and that recurrence of the lesion was found among 68.52% after stopping application of the prophylactic cream