Effect of exposure to X-ray radiation on the hematological system and immunoglobulin concentration of customs clearance workers in Alexandria port

Based on scientific evidence, any exposure to radiation can be harmful; there is no safe dose, i.e. no threshold-dose. This study was conducted to reveal the effect of low dose radiation on the haematological system, as the blood cells are classified as the most radiosensitive tissue in the human body. The inference population included 40 male Customs Clearance Workers [CCWs] from Alexandria seaport; they were exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation while using various types of electronic and imaging machines for security purposes. .The comparative population included 40 male workers; they were not exposed to ionizing radiation or radioactive hazardous materials in their work environment. All CCWs and unexposed workers were subjected to an interviewing schedule, physical examination, and haematological investigations, which included a complete blood count and IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations. In the present study the prevalence of general manifestations such as pallor, hair loss, repeated infections and bouts of fever were higher among CCWs compared with unexposed workers. Neurological manifestations namely, headache and fatigue were prevailing among CCWs. Haematological investigations revealed that the mean total leucocytic count was significantly decreased among CCWs. On the other hand the mean values of RBC and platelet counts were not significantly lowered among CCWs. Moreover, the differential picture showed a significant depression in the mean percent of circulating lymphocytes among CCWs. Regarding the immunoglobulin concentrations, the present study revealed no significant difference between CCWs and unexposed workers regarding their serum IgG, IgM and IgA concentrations, Furthermore, there were significant negative correlations between the total leucocytic count and both the duration of occupation and smoking index, and between the mean percent of circulating lymphocytes and duration of occupation. CCWs at Alexandria seaport although assumed to be exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation, yet significant affection of some basic blood parameters was evident. Thus, personal monitoring for X-ray radiation and increasing the level of protection for CCWs is of utmost importance

Respiratory system assessment of marine spray painting workers

Workers at the Marine Spray Painting Workshop [MSPW] are exposed to respiratory hazards durig ship surface preparation and spray painting. To identify hazards at the Marine Spray Painting Workshop [MSPW] and assess the impact of these hazards on the respiratory system of Marine Spray Painters [MSPs]. The study included 80 workers, of these were 40 MSPs from the Alexandria Shipyard Company. The rest were control workers, not exposed to respiratory hazards in their work environment. All MSPs and unexposed workers were subjected to an interviewing schedule; to collect data on personal characteristics, occupational, and medical history. The Medical Research Council [MRC] questionnaire was used, it included questions on respiratory symptoms, and diseases. All workers underwent a general clinical examination, a local chest examination, pulmonary function tests, and lung imaging by conventional chest radiographs [CCR]. The present study demonstrated that breathlessness grade IV, wheeze, and bronchial asthma, were significantly more encountered among MSPs compared with unexposed workers. On assessing lung functions, mean percent predicted values of lung function indices [LFI] reflecting large and small-airway functions were lowered among MSPs compared with unexposed workers, but the lowering was not statistically significant. Furthermore, it was found that 47.5% of MSPs had no radiological abnormalities [0/0 ILO profusion grade], while 52.5% of MSPs were either with suspicious radiological abnormalities of [0/1 or 1/0 ILO profusion, glade] [10.00%] or with definite radiological abnormalities whose ILO profusion grade was of [2/1, 2/2, or 2/3 ILO profusion grade] [10.00%, 17.5%, or 15.0% respectively]. A comparison between silicotic and non-silicotic MSPs was conducted, where no significant differences were found between them regarding respiratory symptoms, diseases, and spirometric measurements, thus, the significant increase in bronchial asiluna among MSPs in the present study can be attributed to exposure to HDI during spray painting. The study revealed a significant positive correlation between grade of profusion and age, duration of exposure and breathlessness, especially those with profusion grade >/= 1/1, but no significant correlations between the grade of profusion and mean values of spirometric measurements were recorded. A potential respiratory health hazard exists at the [MSPW] in Alexandria Shipyard Company and the level of protection for workers should be increased