[Biomonitoring of genotoxicity and antioxidant enzymatic changes in workers occupationally exposed to asphalt fumes]

Asphalt fumes consist of the gases and vapor emitted from the heated asphalt as well as the aerosols and mists resulting from their condensation after volatilization .Moreover, asphalate workers are exposed to variety of asphalted fumes and dusts, which can exert their toxic effects via production of reactive oxygen species. The spectrum of oxidative DMA damage includes strand breaks. Information on genotoxic risk for bitumen workers is limited. The aim of the present study was biomonitoring of genotoxicity and different antioxidant enzymes activity of workers occupationally exposed to asphalted fumes. Method It was conducted on fifty male workers employed in asphalted and proofing materials manufacturing. Fifty subjects were recruited as a control group matched for age, sex and socio-economic status. revealed that high significant association in the levels of genotoxicity [DMA single strand breaks and urinary thioethers] and slightly significant reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes [SOD and CAT] and significant increase in GSH levels in exposed workers in comparison with control group. Moreover, level of Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide did not exceed the standards Particulate matter which is exceeded the standard limits of indoor air quality. Present data indicate that asphalted fumes exposed workers exhibit an increase in GSH levels and oxidative stress induced by fumes may partly be attributed to the inhibited activities of SOD and CAT as well as increase in the potentials genotoxic risks by increasing the percentage of DNASSB and increase excretion of urinary thioethers

Biological monitoring of fuel stations workers occupationally exposed to petroleum products

The increased use of petroleum products in automobiles and industry has led to the deterioration in air quality and human health. Petrol [or gasoline] is a volatile and inflammable petroleum derived liquid mixture primarily used for internal combustion of engines. Occupational exposure to gasoline and air pollutant from vehicular sources are relatively unexplored. The main purpose of this study was conducting biological monitoring for petrol workers occupationally exposed to petroleum product and air pollutants. The study was conducted on fifty male workers employed in petrol filler stations and fifty subjects were recruited as a control group matched for age, sex and socio-economic status. Results revealed that presence of high significant association in the levels of liver enzymes and some haematological changes among exposed workers. In addition to the significant decline in the lung function. Also significant increase in urinary phenol as a biomarker of benzene exposure was found. Sulphur dioxide nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide did not exceed the standards indoor air quality guidelines. However, particulate matter exceeded the limits as indoor air quality guidelines. This study demonstrated that it is possible to detect human health risks at an early stage using sensitive techniques. It is concluded that petrol pump workers should be carefully monitored and should take adequate protective measures to prevent long term effects

Biochemical changes among workers occupationally exposed to vibration

With the increasing interaction between workers and mechanical tools, vibration at critical frequencies and acceleration has become an important source of injury. Exposure to occupational vibration has its adverse effects on musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Certain biochemical changes may occur. Some psychological and physiological disorders were observed. The present study aimed to study biochemical changes among workers occupationally exposed to vibration. The study included a total number of 165 workers [104 exposed to vibration and 61 as a comparison group]. Exposed workers were selected from Mousahama El-Behera, Zahran and Lecico companies in Alexandria. They were exposed to Whole - Body Vibration [WBV] [n=77] or Hand -Arm Vibration [HAV] [n=27]. Non-exposed workers [n=61] were selected from the same companies. Biochemical changes including hematological changes, coagulation profile, lipid profile, liver and cardiac enzymes, some of trace elements and urinary catecholamine were studied among exposed and control subjects. Significant changes in the levels of tested biochemical parameters were observed among workers exposed to WBV, HAV and control subjects. It can be concluded that workers exposed to occupational vibrations may develop certain occupational diseases, that might be related to the vibration itself

Assessment of ambient noise levels in the intensive care unit of a university hospital

Noise is recognized as a source of hazard to the patient's environment. Studies have also shown that it has a direct impact on mortality and morbidity as a result of sleep deprivation which affects the immunity of critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to measure levels of environmental noise in a six- bed, open-plan general medical intensive care unit [MICU]. Levels of exposure to environmental noise were assessed in the intensive care unit of King Fahad Hospital of the University [KFHU] where measurements of environmental noise were taken using calibrated sound level meter during shifts of working days and weekends. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between noise levels in the morning, evening and night shifts of working days and weekends in the ICU of KFHU [p value =0.155, 0.53 and 0.711] respectively. There was no significant difference between overall level of exposure to noise in the working days and weekends as well [p-value= 0.71]. However, the assessed levels of exposures to noise were still higher than stipulated international standards. Some sources of environmental noise, such as the use of oxygen, suction equipment or respirators are unavoidable. Nevertheless, hospital ICUs should have measures to minimize the level of exposure to noise in the ICU. Further research in this area might focus on the noise level and other modifiable environmental stress factors in the ICU that affect patients as well as the staff

Chemical and physical hazards in different small workshops activities

Workers in informal small-scale industries [SSI] in developing countries involved in welding, spray painting, woodwork, and metalwork are exposed to various hazards with consequent risk to health. The present study was to assess occupational exposures to chemical and physical hazards among workers in small workshops. Three different industrial activities were selected for this study. These activities are: car repairing, welding, and wood processing. Inside the selected workshops, different physical hazards as noise, heat stress, illumination, and dust as well as air pollutants of carbon monoxide [CO] nitrogen dioxide, [NO2] sulphur dioxide [SO2], and benzene were measured at the same two periods of the day [morning and evening] using calibrated devices. Analyzed data revealed high significant increase in the selected areas in the levels of noise, thermal stress, illumination and dust during morning and evening exposure between as compared to the control area in the selected areas respectively. Only for NO2, levels of the other gases pollutants inside all exposed workshops are higher than those inside the control workshops. In conclusion, the workers at the studied industries were exposed to potential occupational hazards. These findings should be considered as s a preventive measures for monitoring and application of control strategies in such workplace environment

Safety practice and occupational exposure to physical and chemical hazards in pesticides and fertilizers packing industry

In pesticides and fertilizer formulation and packaging processes, workers may be exposed to toluene, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide emissions as well as noise and reduced illumination during milling, mixing, loading, packaging and storage operations. Occupational hazards are associated with exposure to mixtures containing high proportions of active ingredients, and exposure to carriers/fillers and additives. The present study was designed to assess occupational exposure to chemicals, physical, hazards and safety practice in the pesticides and fertilizers packing industry. It was conducted in pesticide and fertilizer packing industry. Occupational exposure to organic solvents as toluene, benzene, xylene and carbon Monoxide as well as noise and illumination levels were carried out using calibrated instruments. Safety practice was done using safety questionnaire. Analyzed data revealed high significance increase levels of toluene, benzene, xylene, and carbon Monoxide as well as in the levels of noise and illumination in fertilizers and pesticides packing departments in comparison with administrative area. Nevertheless, the conditions of many of the safety practice are not satisfactory while the others are satisfactory and adequate, It was concluded that there are great needs for improvement, including identifying and controlling the hazards. providing information, training, monitoring and also legislative requirements that need to be met

Chronic occupational exposure to lead and its impact on oral health

Chronic Lead exposure favours the formation of cheilitis, fissures, ulcers and epithelial desquamation of the tongue, palate and other parts of the oral mucous membranes. The tissues of oral cavity may be affected by toxic agents either by direct action as in exposure to sulfuric acid fumes or through systemic exposure as in poisoning with heavy metals e.g. lead.. The Present study aimed to investigate the oral health condition of industrial workers exposed to lead in Alexandria governorate. The samples included all workers chronically exposed to lead fumes or dust in a storage battery plant [400 workers] and working in seven departments where lead exposure was present. These departments were evaluated environmentally for lead in air and their workers for lead in blood. Oral medical examinations were carried out according to the items of WHO sheet designed for oral health survey with some modifications. Results of the present study revealed that chronic exposure to lead significantly affects oral health condition among exposed workers and strongly correlates with increasing level of blood lead among them. It can be concluded that the most common adverse effects of lead on dental health of exposed workers were the significant increase in the prevalence of periodontal diseases [gingivitis and periodontitis expressed as PI] and in the prevalence of decay [caries], missed and filled teeth [expressed as DMFT index] and dental abrasions. Moreover, these findings were found to be related to lead concentration in air in the studied departments and to blood lead level. On the other hand, exposure to lead was found to have insignificant effect on calculus formation [expressed as CI-S] or oral debris [expressed as [DI-S]or both together expressed as [OHI-S]

Assessment of chemical, physical and safety hazards in paper industry in Dammam

Paper and pulp industry represent a major industrial sector in Saudi Arabia. Workers in the paper industry may be exposed to a variety of chemicals, chlorinated organic compounds carbon monoxide [CO], nitrogen dioxide [NO[2]], sulfur dioxide [SO[2]], benzene, methane, and a variety of physical hazards such as noise, heat, and illumination. The present study aimed at assessing the occupational chemical, physical, and safety hazards in different departments of paper industry, and administrative area. Levels of noise, heat, and illumination were measured using a standardized technique. Chemical exposure was assessed by measuring different pollutants as SO[2], CO, Methane, and Benzene. safety measures were conducted in different paper plant. Analyzed data revealed high significant differences in the level of noise and heat between exposed and controlled area. However, there are no significant differences between the levels of illumination. Nevertheless, there are high significant differences in the levels of measured chemicals in paper plant departments in comparison with administrative area. These observations clearly support the need for further research on the effect of occupational exposure to chemicals and physical agents on workers in paper industry