Women, work and health in Egypt

The special occupational health problems of working women are recognized in both the developing and industrialized countries. In the former, heavy physical work, the double work burden of job and family, less developed working methods and traditional social roles are the factors that increase the burden of female workers. In the industrialized countries, where women also have the double work burden, lower-paid manual jobs are often left to female workers. Also the design of machinery and work tools are often made according to male anthropometry although female workers use such equipments. Women may also face problems of occupational exposures that are hazardous to reproductive health. In many service occupations the female workers may be exposed to the threat of violence from clients or to sexual harassment from fellow workers. Egyptian working females represent about 22% of the total labor force in Egypt. Seventeen percent of female working force is involved in agricultural activities. About 32% of females are sharing by more than half of their earning in house hold expenses. Some studies indicate a higher than average risk of unemployment among female workers which may also have negative social and health consequences on families. We recommend that women's legislative aspects for work should be strictly complied. Women's overtimes and night shifts should be limited very strictly. Certain type of jobs should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. We should encourage research studies to ensure women's safety and ameliorate workplace health

Evaluation and follow up of true and pseudo cholinesterase enzymes in workers exposed to pesticides

This present study was designed to evaluate the level of true and pseudo cholinesterase, establish a baseline or reference level and follow up of the level of enzymes during exposure, in workers applying and formulating anticholinesterase pesticides [organophosphates and carbamates], aiming at designing a comprehensive programming for prevention of pesticide intoxication. This study included thirty four workers exposed to organophosphate and carbamate compounds. Twenty five workers, present in one of the major companies formulating pesticides in, EL Nasr Company for Intermediate chemicals in Abou Rawash, and nine workers, present in the Kalioubia branch of the Agricultural Credit and Developmental Bank. The exposed group was matched with twenty control males with the same average age and socioeconomic status. Both exposed and control subjects were subjected twice to: [1] A questionnaire including present, past and family history. [2] Complete medical and neurological examination. [3] Biochemical analysis including: a -The level of true and pseudo cholinesterase. b - Liver function tests. c - Complete blood picture. Determination of cholinestrase is done by using a new technique [organophosphate kits] in the field using only a drop of blood from the thumb of the exposed workers. [Non invasive]. The study showed a statistically significant difference between the mean and standard deviation of the baseline values of true cholinesterase, also there is a statistically significant depression in both cholinesterases after exposure. The percentage of decrease of true and pseudo cholinesterase from baseline values were 28.06% and 21.61% respectively. The results of liver function tests showed a statistically nonsignificant decrease in the level of proteins and albumin and a statistically significant increase in the level of SGPT and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. Hematological findings revealed a statistically significant decrease in the level of hemoglobin. Identification of high risks population, determination of cholinesterase baseline for all workers before starting exposure, periodic surveillance at least once each season

Respiratory changes and sputum cytology in spray painters

Occupational exposure to paints affect several organ systems mainly central and peripheral nervous systems, liver, respiratory system.etc. The aim of this study was to investigate job-related respiratory troubles among spray painters. Two groups of population had been examined, 74 spray painters and 30 controls. Our results showed that job-related respiratory symptoms in the form of irritation of upper respiratory tract, dyspnea during work, chest oppression, cough and expectoration and bronchial asthma, were significantly increased among the exposed group when compared to the control group. Results of ventilatory function tests showed significant decrease in spirometric results among painters compared to the control subjects. The effect of duration of exposure on the pulmonary function tests revealed statistically significant decrease with increasing duration of exposure to paints. The group of mixers was the highly affected group. Cytological examination of the sputum of 24 exposed workers revealed the presence of polymorphnuclear leucocytes in 58.3%, plasma cell, histiocytes and lymphocytes in 75.0% and eosinophilia in 50.0%. No malignancy could be detected. We recommended periodic environmental monitoring for the work place and stressed health education programs for exposed workers

Locomotor disorders in printing industry

Low back pain, shoulder and neck pain and arthritis are the most common complaint among workers in printing industry. This study have been done among workers in printing industry in El-Ahram and Cairo University. A sheet have been taken, all workers are examined clinically and an X-ray was done for complaining ones. The total number of workers was 2850, 488 were complaing of locomotor disorders: 312 [low back pain], 54 [neck and shoulder pain], 183 [joint pain]. Locomotor disorders increase with age, duration of employment, increase in number of dependents, among skilled and unskilled workers, smokers and ex-smokers. Low back ain, and arthritis were more common among females. Low back pain was common among managers, accountants and unskilled workers

Respiratory hazards among workers in flour milling industry

In flour milling industry, respiratory disorders are the main health problems resulting from exposure to grain dust and flour. The aim of this work is to study the prevalence of different respiratory diseases [bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and asthmatic bronchitis] among workers in South Cairo flour Mills Company, and to detect pulmonary ventilatory impairement among them. In our study, chronic obstructive airway diseases [COAD] especially asthmatic bronchitis were significantly higher among exposed workers than among control group, also among exposed smokers than control smokers. The prevalence of COAD among exposed workers showed a significant positive association with the duration of emlpyement. Ventilatory function measurements showed sinificantly lower values of FEV/FVC% FEV and FVC% for exosed workers than the controls, also exposed smokers than exposed non smokers. All ventilatory function measurements showed a significant inverse relationship with duration of exposure

Breast changes in workers engaged in the manufacture of sex hormones

Numerous studies have established an association between sex hormones and the risk of developing neoplastic disease. It is of course, well known that both the risk of certain tumours occurring in women such as cancer of the breast and the endometrium and the prognosis in the event of their occurrence, are strongly related to endogenous hormones. It is quite justifiable to ask questions about the significance of exogenous hormones in relation to such diseases. This work was performed in one of the companies engaged in manufacturing of sex hormones. All workers already present and those transfered from this section have been examined for the presence of any breast mass or scar of previous operation. Pathological reports have been reviewed and correlated with the duration of exposure; age of workers, parity, and family history. Hormonal assay was performed for all exposed workers