Application of reaction time ruler set in occupational and environmental health

ABSTRACT

In the present study, a simple and very cheap apparatus, in comparison with other sophisticated and expensive imported ones, was used. The cost of this apparatus is L.E. 115 and the cost of the imported ones is about $ 9,000. The study was conducted on 100 male furnace workers exposed to infrared radiation with a mean age of 39.6 +/- 12.0 and a mean education level of 4.75 + 2.80 workers in one of the factories; in addition to 100 male workers with a mean age of 40.2 +/- 12.6 with a mean education level of 4.71 +/- 12.72 as control subjects, who were not exposed to infrared radiation in the same factory in Helwan. A subjective symptoms questionnaire, listing the most common discomforts or troubles in behaviors, the feeling and the sensation, was administrated. The questionnaire chosen for the test battery was developed at the Institute of Occupational Health [Helsinki]. The simple reaction time ruler set assessment for 100 male furnace workers exposed and 100 male workers not exposed showed mean and standard deviation of 277 and 86 for the exposed subjects as well as 220 and 67 for the control group, the difference was statistically significant