Hearing loss workers testing gun shots

This study was carried out in a military factory on workers testing gun shots, to determine the hearting acuity of 92 workers exposed to that type of impact noise. A control groups of 50 subjects not occupationally exposed to noise were examined. The exposed and control groups were interviewed according to a previously prepared questionnaire and were subjected to otological examination. Pure tone audiometry was done to both groups. The resulting hearing loss of the exposed subjects was asymmetrical, with the great amount of hearing loss in the Lt ear [the ear opposite to the side of shooting]. Asymmetry or hearing loss was found to start at 2KHZ frequencies and increased with increasing duration of exposure

Computer program for periodic medical examination

Because of the different difficulties and defects facing the already present system of periodic medical examination, we proposed a modified set of principles for medical screening for occupational diseases listed in the Egyptian Schedule annex of the law No 79 for the year 1975. This proposal is presented in a computerized form using the C Language to facilitate the task of periodic medical examination. The program was tested in the Egyptian Iron and Steel Company

interrelationship between Zinc; Copper and Iron in Lead intoxicated subjects

Inhibition of Hb biosynthesis in lead intoxicated subjects appears as a result of disorder in the interaction of Cu, Zn and Fe ions on delta-Am-inolevulinic acid dehydratase. [ALA-D]. Elevation of free serum copper and decrease of serum iron and zinc are the main cause of ALAD inhibition. Thus, it is safe to suggest that administration of Zn orally leads to replacement of cu from catalytic sites of this enzyme which is known as a zinc dependent enzyme

Affinity of hemoglobin to oxygen of lead poisoned subjects

Changes in the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve and the factors which influence its position were studied in lead poisoned subjects as compared to normal controls. Hemgolobin showed a lower than normal affinity for 02, and this could be considered as a protection against tissue anoxia. It is of interest to notice that 2,3 DPG and plasma inorganic phosphate were elevated with lead poisoning increment

Correlation between environmental and biological levels of lead in printing industry

In the present study the concentration, of lead particles and fumes in the working environment of a printing industry were throughly investigated. The blood lead, urinary lead and ALA of 106 exposed workers and 20 non-exposed workers, as a control group, were measured. Results showed that workers in the departments where lead materials are handled are mainly exposed to lead fumes which represent >80%of total lead exposure moreover, it was found that exposed to >20 micro/g/m[3] [8 hrs] atmospheric lead in both forms of respirable particles and vapour can result in high blood level. ALA was found to be a reliable indicator of lead effect. The present investigation points out that the TLV of 0.20 mg/m[3] is a non-realistic level since the exposure to atmospheric lead in a range between 20-37 micro g/m3 results in a high blood lead and subsquently a higher level of ALA in urine. Consequently, it is suggested to lower the TLV for lead exposure especially where lead fumes exist. Conclusions and special recommendations were given