Erectile dysfunction among workers occupationally exposed to ammonia

Numerous psychological factors can disrupt the normal physiologic functions involved in the erectile mechanism. In the past, most cases of erectile dysfunction [ED] were thought to be of psychological origin, but it is now recognized that the majority of cases, especially in the elderly, have an organic cause

Objective: in this study, we aimed to determine whether occupational exposure to ammonia, as a risk factor, can induces erectile dysfunction [ED] among workers occupationally exposed to ammonia

Methodology: we performed a standard ED evaluation that included full history, physical examination, estimation of serum testosterone [T] and prolactin [PRL] levels and penile Duplex ultrasonography [PDU] for the suspected cases. Our results showed Hypotestosteronemia in [10%], but in the contrary, hyperprolactinemia was not detected in any of the studied workers. Thirty percent [30%] of the studied exposed workers showed mild penile venous leak

Conclusion: according to our findings, there is a high prevalence of ED in exposed workers to ammonia. However, the mechanism of occurrence and the physiological mechanism of ammonia induced erectile dysfunction is not well documented. We recommended further studies to clarify the mechanism of action of the long term occupational exposure to ammonia on the sexual behaviour and sexual feeling among males exposed workers

Thyroid gland dysfunction among workers occupationally exposed to cold in food processing plant

There is increasing evidence that cold stress affects various immune processes, through hormonal changes involving corticosterone, triiodothyronine [T3], and thyroxine [T4]. In this work, we investigated cold exposure-induced thyroid gland affection and cortisol levels. A total number of hundred workers are involved in this study. Sixty of them are occupationally exposed to cold environment [5 to -40 °C] in meat processing factory. A matched referent group of forty subjects are involved from the administrative department of the same factory. Our results showed a statistically significant higher levels of serum cortisol, T4 and TSH [12.76 micro g/dl; 9.6 micro g/dl and 1.38 micro IU/ml] among workers occupationally exposed to cold environment than that of the control group [7.8 micro g/dl; 8.6 micro g/dl; 1.02 micro IU/ml]. We concluded that occupational cold exposure posses a great risk of cortico-thyroid gland hyper-function, which is not related to duration of cold exposure. We recommend emphasizing the importance of educating workers about the use of personal protective clothes and devices. Periodic medical and laboratory check up should be performed for those workers occupationally exposed to cold environment regarding the T3, T4, TSH, cortisol, Hb and Iron levels. For those suffering from cortico-thyoid gland dysfunction, they should be prohibited from further occupational exposure to cold environment

Interventional environmental study and health survey among workers in metal pickling departments

Pickling is a process for the removal of a scale, oxides, or other impurities from a metal surface by immersion in an inorganic acid, usually sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric, hydrofluoric, or phosphoric acid. This research aims at environmental assessment, health survey and biological monitoring of metals for workers engaged in the process of metal pickling in steel industry. Our study design is an interventional study that includes environmental assessment of the work place for hydrochloric acid and chlorine gas, clinical evaluation, ECG, ventilatory functions and biological measurements of metals [Ca, Pb, Cd. Cu. and Mn.]. We suggested ventilation means to ameliorate workplace conditions. Reassessment of air quality is tested. Very high environmental measures of HCL and Cl[2] were found in metal pickling ward that responded dramatically to enhance exhaust ventilation means [p<0.01]. Metal screening revealed low mean value of calcium both total and ionized levels, 15 cases of high Pb, 3 cases of high Cd. and 3 cases with high Cu. We concluded that environmental and engineering control measures besides the use of personal protective equipment is important in minimizing exposure hazards. Exposure to metals leached from steel surfaces during pickling is a great hazard affecting the level of body trace elements. We recommend enhancing the ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment [PPE]. Raising the awareness of all workers about the importance of use of PPE is mandatory

Prevalence of infectious diseases among food and beverage handlers in an industrial setting

Food handlers play a major role in ensuring food safety throughout the chain of producing, processing, storage and preparation. Mishandling and disregard for hygiene measures on their part may result in food contamination and its attendant consequences. The objective of this study was designed to assess the health status of food handlers in an industrial setting. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out on 32 food handlers operating in one of steel factories. They were interviewed and inspected using a structural questionnaire administered by researchers. Full clinical examination and investigations involved CBC, chest X-ray, sputum culture for TB, stool analysis and culture for shigella, Widal test and hepatitis A, B, C markers. The research team also arranged educational training course to improve the hygienic knowledge of food handlers This study revealed, 3.1% had a +ve HCV and a high prevalence of parasitic infestations was found in 72% with positive parasitic cysts and 12.5% with positive parasitic ova. Salmonella typhi type O carriers in the studied food handlers represented 6.3%. Regarding hepatitis, 3.2% had a positive HCV antibodies. Thirty cases [94%] had long hand nails and lack sanitary knowledge concerning food handling. This study has revealed a poor knowledge and practice of food hygiene among food handlers. It is recommended that a massive health education campaign directed at both the public and food handlers be embarked on, to reduce prevalence of food born illnesses and to enable people take necessary steps to prevent food borne diseases

Toxic effects of N-hexane on the brain, lungs, liver and testis of the exposed rats

N-Hexane is an important volatile solvent. It has been used in many industries and occupational toxic exposure was reported by many authors as Buitatti, et al. [1978] and Bragnone, et al. [1980] among the vinyl sandal and leather workers. This study were performed on albino rats. N-Hexane was given by intraperitoneal injection in the following order: 75, 150, 300 mg/kg body weight twice a week for three exposed groups I, II, III, respectively. A control non-treated group was injected with 1% tween 80 in the same order. The toxic effects were noticed on brain, liver, lungs and testicles of the treated groups. The brains of the exposed rats did not show any significant change in the oxygen uptake compared with the control group. However, they showed marked histopathological changes. There was significant decrease in the oxygen uptake by the liver of exposed groups I, II, III [70.23, 34.84, 3.67 ml / 100 g wet tissue, respectively] in comparison to that of the controls [119 ml / 100 g wet tissue], together with a dose related increase in the liver function enzymes. Lungs showed a toxic response in the form of emphysematous changes, bronchiolar hyperplasia and peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltration. The n-hexane effect on the testis was observed in the form of decrease in the average diameter of the semineferous tubules 310, 260 and 240 micrometers in groups I, II, III, respectively, in comparison to the control group [420 micrometer]. This study indicates a definite toxic effect of n-hexane on the brain, lung, liver and testis of the exposed rats