Evaluation of the health condition among workers chronically exposed to different dyes in an Egyptian textile industry

ABSTRACT

The present work aimed at estimating the prevalence of respiratory, hepatic, dermal and other diseases among workers occupationally exposed to dyestuffs in a textile dyeing industry. Also, the possible interaction between the occupational exposure to textile dyes and the other endemic diseases in this area, mainly schistosomiasis is studied. Clinical and biochemical studies, as well as ventilatory function tests were conducted for 90 male workers occupationally exposed to different textile dyestuffs, as well as 59 control subjects. Jaundice, chest symptoms, neurobehavioral manifestations [nervousness, insomnia, fatigue,. etc.] and different skin reactions [blisters, boils, acne,. etc.] ranked first among the textile dyeing workers. Better selection of workers and suitable periodic medical examination are essential in any future medical surveillance and monitoring program. Engineering control of workplace pollutants and using protective clothes and devices are also important items in protecting the textile dyeing workers from occupational hazards. Good housekeeping and proper environmental monitoring of workplaces are essential measures to be done by the occupational safety and health team