Effects of occupational exposure to lead on neurological and neurophsyiological functions among printing workers

This study was designed to evaluate the neurological and the neurohysiological effects of chronic lead exposure. A group of printing workers exposed to inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption of lead, consisting of 47 subjects, as well as a control group from the non-exposed administrative subjects were included. This study was designed to evaluate the neurological and the neurophysiological effects of chromic lead exposure. A group of printing workers exposed to inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption of lead, consisting of 47 subjects, as well as a control group from the nonexposed administrative subjects were included. All subjects were submitted to assessment of exposure profile, general and neurological history and examination, blood lead concentration, blood picture, and a selected battery of neurophysiological investigations. Among exposed workers compared to controls, we detected a significantly higher prevalence 9% headache, fatigability, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling sensations and significantly higher blood lead levels and lower hemoglobin levels. The electro physiological studies showed significant motor and sensory slowing of nerve conduction velocities [NCVs], lowering of amplitudes, and prolongation of distal latencies both median and ulnar nerves of the exposed workers versus control subjects. Abnormalities of electromyograpnhy [EMG] in the form of neurogenic polyphasic waves during ' minimal muscle contraction and spontaneous activities were recorded in 91.7% and 16.7% respectively among exposed workers

Reproductive problems and work with vdts clinical and cytogenetic evaluation

For the last ten years, still broader use of computers has been observed in the world and in particular in the Arab world. That involves a large number of different health problems. Introduction of new technology is bound up with wider issues of industrial relations, including job security. Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [EMF] is very common and concern about its harmful effects has been raised. Video display terminals [VDTs] are among the most important sources of exposure Reproductive problems had emerged as one of the hazards attributed to work with [VDTGs]. This work aimed at assessing the potential association between [EMF] emitted by [VDTGs] and pregnancy outcome and/or infertility problems through clinical and cytogenetic evaluations. The study included two groups: control group [36 personnel who were employees of both sexes working in King Khalel University hospital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia. They were selected as healthy, non smokers with [-ve] family history of any genetic disease, and the other group included [80 cases] with reproductive problems referred to the genetic department of the Riadh Medical Complex, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the period of January, 92-January 95. The two groups were selected as [VDTs] users for at least two years and for 15 hours per week. Leach personnel was subjected to full clinical and medical evaluation, pedigree construction and chromosomal analysis. Chromosomal aberrations found in this studied sample was not related to the exposure [VDTs] magnetic fields. This work in agreement with the majority of epidemiological studies suggests that work with [VDTs] is not related to adverse pregnancy outcome or infertility. It highlights some of the newly described proposed causes in this occupational group which can be helpful in evaluating working conditions. Examination of the effects of exposure to higher [EMF] existing at industrial work places is recommended to assure safety in working with the different modern sources of [EMFs]