Occupational risks and safety of children aged from 6 to 16 years, employed as farm workers in El-Minia Governorate "case control study"

ABSTRACT

While agriculture provides work opportunities for children, these opportunities also lead to potential risks. Biological and toxic chemicals may have different effects at different stages of devolvement and may be more damaging to children than to adults. Assessment of the impact of working in different agricultural activities on children aged from 6 to 16 years, to obtain comprehensive analysis of the work related hazards and risks. Children's health relies on the interaction between their environment [living and working conditions] and their developmental status. This study, included 40 children exposed to agricultural working risks and 40 children from the same villages away from agricultural activities as a control group. All children were subjected to special questionnaire, clinical examination, abdominal sonar, parasitology and laboratory examination. Demographic features showed no difference between the groups [Table I], but the education status [Table I] and socio economic class [Table II] showed a significant difference. Respiratory symptoms and signs showed a significant more incidence in the exposed group [Table III], Schistosomiasis was evident in a higher percentage in the exposed group [Table IV, V]. Laboratory results showed less hemoglobin level and RBCs count [Table VII]. Liver function parameters showed no difference between the groups expcet SGPT level [Table VIII]. This study showed that there are different occupational risks and hazards to this newly emerging occupational group [i.e. children], in the form of illiteracy, anemia, bilharzial infestation with its sequale and respiratory tract affection. Therefore it is mandatory to establish guidelines for children's work in the industry of agriculture to avoid occupational risks and to provide safety