Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests among Galvanized workers exposed to zinc oxide

Background: Galvanization is the process of coating steel or cast iron pieces with a thin layer of zinc allowing protection against corrosion. One of the important hazards in this industry is exposure to zinc compounds specially zinc oxide fumes and dusts. In this study we evaluated chronic effects of zinc oxide on the respiratory tract of galvanizers

Method: 188 workers were selected from a galvanization plant, 71 galvanizers as exposed group and 117 workers from other departments of plants as control group. Information was collected using American Thoracic Society [ATS] standard questionnaire, physical examination and demographic data sheet. Pulmonary function tests were measured for all subjects. Exposure assessment was done with NIOSH 7030 method

Results: The Personal Breathing Zone [PBZ] air sampling results for zinc ranged from 6.61 to 8.25 mg/m[3]] above the permissible levels [Time weighted average; TWA: 2 mg/m[3]]. Results showed that the prevalence of the respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, throat and nose irritation in the exposed group was significantly more than the control group. Decreasing in average percent in all spirometric parameters were seen in the galvanizers who exposed to zinc oxide fumes and dusts. The prevalence of obstructive respiratory disease was significantly higher in the exposed group

Conclusions: Results suggest that high workplace zinc levels are associated with an increase in respiratory morbidity in galvanizers

Traffic crash accidents in Tehran, Iran: Its relation with circadian rhythm of sleepiness / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>Road traffic accidents are one of main problems in Iran. Multiple factors cause traffic accidents and the most important one is sleepiness. This factor, however, is given less attention in our country. Road traffic accidents relevant to sleepiness are studied.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this cross-sectional study, all road traffic accidents relevant to sleepiness, which were reported by police, were studied in Tehran province in 2009.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The risk of road traffic accidents due to sleepiness was increased by more than sevenfold (odds ratio = 7.33) in low alertness hours (0:00-6:00) compared to other time of day. The risk of road traffic accidents due to sleepiness was decreased by 0.15-fold (odds ratio = 0.15) in hours with maximum of alertness (18:00-22:00) of circadian rhythm compared to other time of day.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The occurrence of road traffic accidents due to sleepiness has significant statistical relations with driving during lowest point of alertness of circadian rhythm.</p>

epworth sleepiness scale for screening of the drowsy driving: comparison with the maintenance of wakefulness test in an Iranian sample of commercial drivers

Traffic fatalities are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Iran. Occupational sleep medicine field needs more cost-effective and applicable tests for screening purposes. This study reports on a pilot screening study for drowsy drivers in an urban Iranian sample of commercial drivers. The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test [MWT] measures the ability to remain awake objectively. Sleep latency in MWT is a reasonable predictor of driving simulator performance in drivers. In this study, we evaluate whether the Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] and MWT are equally useful in drivers with possible Excessive Daytime Sleepiness [EDS]. 46 consecutive road truck drivers in a transportation terminal entered into this study. The ESS score of patients with normal and abnormal MWT was 3.24 +/- 2.4 and 4.08 +/- 3 respectively which was not significantly differenced [P value = 0.34]. No significant correlation was found between the ESS and sleep latency in MWT [r=-0.28, 95%CI= -0.58 to 0.02]. By using the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve was found to be 0.57 [95% confidence interval = 0.37- 0.77] which is not statistically acceptable [P value=0.46]. Our finding showed that the MWT and ESS do not measure the same parameter

Cross-shift study of acute respiratory effects in cement production workers

Cement dust exposure is associated with increased respiratory impairment. As the major occupational hazard in the cement production industry is cement particles, our aim was to more thoroughly examine the acute effects of occupational exposure to cement dust on the respiratory system. A cross-shift study was conducted in a cement factory in Iran. 100 high exposed workers from production and packing sections and 100 low exposed from office workers were included. Environmental total dust was measured in each section. Assessment of lung function was done by pre and post shift spirometry. At the end of the day shift, acute respiratory symptoms were recorded. The means of total dust among high and low exposed workers were 16.55 mg/m3 and 0.9 mg/m3, respectively. The most common acute respiratory symptoms in high exposed workers were stuffy nose [52%] and shortness of breath [49%]. A statistically significant post shift reduction in PEF, FEV1, FEF 25-75, FVC and FEV1/ FVC was demonstrated in high exposed group. Multivariate linear regression showed a significant relationship between the percentage of the cross-shift decrease in spirometric indices and exposure to cement dust. We detected significant relationship between exposure to cement dust and acute respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function indices. Effective dust-control measures and preparing a suitable strategy for respiratory protection are highly recommended

Occupational risk of bladder cancer among Iranian male workers

Approximately 5-10% of human cancers are thought to be caused by occupational exposure to carcinogens. Compare to other cancers, bladder cancer is most strongly linked to occupational exposure to chemical toxins. This study has been performed to understand which occupations and exposures are related to bladder cancer in Iran. This study is a case-control study which is conducted on cases with bladder cancer [160 cases] diagnosed in Baharlou hospital in 2007-2009. One hundred sixty cases without any occupational exposure were considered as controls matched for demographic characteristics. Demographic data and characteristics of occupation were compared. Mean age of cases and controls were 63.7 and 64 years, respectively [P = 0.841]. History of urinary tract stone had significantly difference in two groups [P = 0.039]. Occupations such as bus and truck driving, road and asphalt making, mechanics, working in refinery and Petrochemical, plastic, metal manufactory, welding, and pipeline founded a higher risk for bladder cancer rather than controls. Our findings on Iranian workers are concurrent and compatible with findings of previous reports about occupational and environmental risk factors of bladder cancer. Although our study population was not little, further studies are needed to declare the risk of working in some occupations such as drivers and metal factories for bladder cancer

Relationship between blood lead level and male reproductive hormones in male lead exposed workers of a battery factory: a cross-sectional study

The reproductive system is one of the organs that are affected by lead. Lead can cause loss of libido and fertility in men, and menstrual disturbances and spontaneous abortion in woman. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was assessment of dose-response relationship between blood lead level [BLL] and sex hormones levels in lead exposed male workers. One hundred and thirteen male workers enrolled. All workers had at least 6 months of lead exposure and no history of diseases or conditions affecting reproductive system. Blood lead level and hormones levels measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer and radioimmunoassay method, respectively. Average duration of exposure was 15.92 +/- 6.95 years. Mean BLL was 41.41micro g/dl +/- 16.99. All of the sex hormones values were in normal range. Pearson correlation showed that sex hormones levels had no significant correlation with blood lead level. Also, there was no significant difference in sex hormones levels between workers with BLL <40micro g/dl and workers whose BLL was >40 micro g/dl. This study showed that BLL cannot serve as a predictor of male sex hormonal changes. However, it is not possible to rule out the effect of lead on the reproductive system after long-term exposure

[Comparative assessment of low back pain and its determinants among Iranian male general dentists and pharmacists]

Regarding the diversity of reported low- back pain among dentists in different countries and lack of control group in most of the previous studies, the purpose of this study was to compare low- back pain and related risk factors between male general dentists and pharmacists to determine the relation between dentistry and development of low back pain. In this cross-sectional study, 261 male dentists were compared with 193 male pharmacists as a control group with Standardized Nordic Questionnaire [low back section]. Subjects were at least one year in clinical practice after becoming qualified and did not suffer from connective tissue diseases and history of a traumatic event causing fracture in spinal column. The data were analyzed by Chi- square, T-test and logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of low back pain in the past 12 months was 54.8% in male dentists and 36.3% in male pharmacists [P=0.001]. Logistic regression analyses, adjustmenting for occupation, age, body mass index [BMI], smoking, working years and working hours per week, revealed that there was a significant association between being a dentist and having low- back pain [OR=2.54, P=0.001]. Dentistry as a profession in male gender is associated with low back pain, independent of age, body mass index [BMI], smoking, working years and working hours per week.

[One year study of musculoskeletal disorders and their relation to occupational stress among office workers: a brief report]

Musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] are the most common reported occupational health problem which cause high financial burden and reduce efficiency of workers. MSDs are often multifactorial. This study was done to determine the frequency of MSDs and their relation to occupational stress among office workers. 332 office workers were recruited in descriptive-analytical study. To assess the frequency of MSDs, we used Nordic questionnaires and to assess the occupational stress, we used the general Nordic questionnaire for psychological and social factors at work [QPS Nordic+34 questionnaire]. The collected data were processed and analyzed. Our study showed that the frequency of MSDs among office workers was higher than the general population and the stress index was higher [P=0.002] among the office workers with MSDs than employees without it. This study showed that occupational stress was a risk factor for MSDs, especially in the upper extremities

Musculoskeletal disorders in female dentists and pharmacists: a cross-sectional study

Musculoskeletal disorders are an important occupational health problem in dentistry. Few studies have compared these disorders in dentists with other occupational groups. We assessed musculoskeletal disorders in female dentists in comparison with female pharmacists. A cross-sectional study by means of Musculoskeletal Nordic Questionnaire was performed among 191 female general dentists and 211 female general pharmacists who were at least one year in clinical practice and selected using the random sampling method. Those with a history of a traumatic event causing fracture in spinal column or extremities and connective tissue diseases excluded. The data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. 91.6% of the female dentists and 87.7% of the female pharmacists reported having at least one musculoskeletal symptom in the previous 12 months. 12-month period prevalence symptoms of neck [OR=3.17], upper back [OR=2.19] and upper extremity [OR=1.99] had the most ORs in comparison of dentists to pharmacists. In summary, female dentists are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders particularly in the neck, upper back and upper extremities.

Evaluation of occupational risk factors in non-hodgkin lymphoma and hodgkin's disease in Iranian men

Lymphoma is a malignancy, arises from lymphoid tissue. Nowadays, it is the ninth most common cancer in Iran. The risk factors of malignant lymphomas have not well determined, but since 20 years ago till now, too many epidemiological researches have been concerning either Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma [NHL] or Hodgkin's Disease [HD]. It is a common usual hypothesis that idiosyncratic reaction to common physical, chemical, and viral agents could lead to lymphoma without obvious immune deficiency. Some occupations has reported to cause increasing "NHL" risks, such as rubber industry, veterinaries, uranium mining, metal working, asbestos exposing, farming, textile industry, and benzene exposing. The roles of ionizing radiation, benzene and other environmental agents have not been clear, because of the lack of confirmed evidences for relation between the occupational and environmental agents with "HD". A case-control study with 150 cases of malignant lymphoma and 150 controls have performed in Tehran. Data have selected through face-to-face interviews about the medical and occupational histories. In this study, there was a significantly increased risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in these occupations; welders, metal workers, founders, aluminium workers OR=4.6[Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.47-14.35] and increased risk for Hodgkin's Disease in drivers OR=2.34[[CI]:0.86-6.35]. We have found out decreased NHL risk in office workers OR=0.54 [[CI]:0.29-1.02] and also found out a non-significant increased NHL risk in farmers OR=1.58 [[CI]:0.82-3.03]. In this study, we have found no relation between smoking and HD, or NHL. The results of this study suggest that several occupations could alter the risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Disease.

Pulmonary adverse effects of welding fume in automobile assembly welders

Welding is one of the key components of numerous manufacturing industries, which has potential physical and chemical health hazards. Many components of welding fumes can potentially affect the lung function. This study investigates the effects of welding fumes on lung function and respiratory symptoms among welders of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This historical cohort study assesses 43 male welders and 129 office workers by a questionnaire to record demographic data, smoking habits, work history and respiratory symptoms as well as lung function status by spirometry. The average pulmonary function values of welders were lower relative to controls with dose-effect relationship between work duration and pulmonary function impairment. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was higher in welders than controls. Our findings suggest that welders are at risk for pulmonary disease

Urinary beta 2 microglobulin in workers exposed to arc welding fumes

Welding is a process in which two or more metals are attached by the use of heat and, in some cases, pressure. Direct exposure and inhalation of welding fumes causes acute and chronic side effects in humans. Kidney damage is one of these important side effects. beta 2 microglobulin is an 11.8 kilodalton protein and levels increase in the case of some inflammatory and viral diseases, or kidney malfunction and autoimmune diseases. In this study measurements of beta 2 microglobulin were used as a criterion for assessing effects on the kidneys of workers exposed to welding fumes. The study population were electric arc welders in an industrial plant in Tehran, Iran. For control we selected workers who did not have any exposure to welding fumes. Both groups were selected on the basis of a questionnaire and the consideration of criteria for inclusion and exclusion. In the end 50 cases and 50 controls were chosen. A urine sample was collected from all participants and urinary pH was set to between 6-8 using NaOH [1M]. Sample transportation to the laboratory complied with the related standards. The samples were assessed using the ORG 5BM kit. For quantitative assessment of beta 2 microglobulin we used the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] method. The ages of the welders ranged from 21 to 48 years [mean=30.5 +/- 5.9 yrs] and of controls from 23 to 56 years [mean=31.8 +/- 5.9 yrs]. Mean employment duration was 7.86 +/- 5.01years [range 2 to 27 years] for welders. Mean beta 2 microglobulin level was 0.10 +/- 0.096 ?g/ml in welders and 0.11 +/- 0.06 in controls. This difference was not statistically significant [P=0.381]. In conclusion we don't find that exposure to electric arc welding fumes cause a significant change in urinary beta 2 microglobulin compared to the control group

[Comparative study of occupational disease information system in countries United States, Finland, France and Iran in 2009]

Occupational diseases are certain sorts of diseases that have been caused by special jobs and subject to special circumstances. There are several factors that can intensify these diseases. Studies of various countries have indicated that they have played an effective role in decreasing exposures and its economic costs and attracting optimal resources through establishment of a comprehensive information system for occupational diseases. In this study the occupational disease information system in selected countries are compared. This is a descriptive study which was conducted in 2008, during which information systems in USA, Finland, France and Iran have been studied based on their objectives, structure, most important data base characteristics and active organizations. Main instrument of this research were articles, books, magazines and valid internet sites in English language. All the three selected countries had an electronic information system and database in the field of occupational disease. In Finland, occupational diseases data as well as their damages are kept in separate databases; while USA lacks a comprehensive system. In France, supervision on laboratories is a priority. In Iran, there is no certain comprehensive system for registering diseases. Occupational diseases information system in Finland is more comprehensive. Iran lacks such a comprehensive system. So, it is recommended to use experiences of other countries and establish electronic comprehensive disease system