@article { author = {C., Fahmy and M., El-Gazzar and A., Abdel-Hamid and F., Abbas}, title = {RENAL AFFECTION AND SOME OXIDATIVE STRESS BIOMARKERS AMONG WORKERS EXPOSED TO SILICA DUST}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {1-19}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.727}, abstract = {Occupational exposure to silica dust especially its crystalline form is primarily related to silicosis. Other possible silica related diseases such as renal disorders are still underestimated. The objective of the present work was to study the posibility of renal affection; as well as, alterations of some oxidative stress and autoimmune biomarkersamong workers exposed to silica dust with and without silicosis. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted in one of the factories for refractories in Alexandria,Egypt. The sample was divided into 3 groups; exposed silicotic, exposed non-silicotic and non-exposed group. Each group consisted of 27 workers. According to a parallel environmental survey, exposure levels to respirable free silica in the three departments of the plant namely; milling, mixing and production were identified. All participants were subjected to a predesigned questionnaire, clinical examination, anthropometricmeasurements, a standard chest radiological examination and laboratory investigations namely urinary albumin, antioxidants activity (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase and serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA).Results: The study shows that about 52% of the exposed workers with silicosis, 40.7% of exposed workers with no silicosis, and 7.4% of non-exposed workers had microalbuminurea. There was no statistically significant difference in urinary albumin levels between exposed silicotic and exposed non-silicotic workers. There was a statistically significant difference between the 3 groups regarding their antioxidants levels. Qualitative ANCA testing results were negative for all workers. Multiple  regression analysis showed that the most important predictors of urinary albumin level were age, duration of exposure, level of exposure to silica, SOD and Glutathione S-transferase (Adjusted R² = 0.387); the most important predictors of SOD level were duration of exposure and level of exposure to silica (Adjusted R² = 0.692); and that the most important predictors of Glutathione S-transferase level were duration of exposure, level of exposure to silica and pneumoconiotic score (Adjusted R² = 0.657).Conclusion, long-term exposure to silica dust may induce oxidative stress which plays a possible role in the renal affection among exposed workers with or without silicosis.  }, keywords = {Silica exposure, Renal affection, Microalbuminurea, Oxidative stress,,Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_727.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_727_6ed039a36e33a350b51337d33ef4cd8b.pdf} } @article { author = {C., Fahmy and F., Abbas and K., Noweir}, title = {OCCUPATIONAL NOISE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK BY EXAGGERATED BLOOD PRESSURE RESPONSE AT EXERCISE IN EXPOSED WORKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {21-36}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.728}, abstract = {The relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension as well as other coronary risk factors is recently highlighted. The objective of this study was to investigate if exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise testing can be used as a predictive tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in relation to occupational noise exposure.Subjects and Methods: Normotensive male workers free from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in one of the industrial facilities in Alexandria were included in the study. Personal noise exposure levels were measured for workers exposed to noise in compressors and maintenance workshops as mean time weighted average (TWA). Three groups were considered each one comprised 50 workers representing high noise exposed group (compressor operators with TWA 90±4 dBA), low noiseexposed group (maintenance workers with TWA 79±6 dBA) and non exposed group from administrative staff. After ethical consideration and obtaining a written consent,all participants were subjected to a questionnaire about personal and occupational data including perceived noise annoyance. Conventional coronary risk factors were measured. A standard symptom limited ergometer exercise test with Bruce protocol was performed and peak exercise hemodynamic variables were defined. Exaggerated blood pressure response at exercise was defined as peak SBP > 200 mmHg and/or peakDBP > 95 mmHg.Results: The three groups were similar in socio-demographic data. Exaggerated BP response at exercise was significantly more prevalent among high noise exposed  group in comparison to other groups. The sensitivity and specificity of the suggested test in predicting high risk cases (those with ≥ 3 risk factors) were 77.5% and 84.6% respectively. Logistic regression analysis of results of the predictive test showed significant relation to noise level, perceived noise annoyance, resting HR and LDLcholesterol (P< 0.05 for all). Conclusion and recommendations: Exaggerated BP response to exercise can be used as a predictive tool for early detection of high risk noise exposed workers in occupational health preventive programs. Noise exposure levels should be reduced tosafe health criteria. }, keywords = {Noise exposure,Cardiovascular effects,Hypertensive response,Exercise testing,Extra-auditory noise effects. This work was presented as a poster in American Public Health Association the 138th meeting (November 6 – 10,2010 in Denever,CO) at the session: 2069.0,Occupational health and safety posters – International. (Abstract) htt://apha.confex.com/apha/138am/webprogram/Paper230434.html}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_728.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_728_9a6732b2c91bb8ced2b3d6eb5cf35b3f.pdf} } @article { author = {A., Arafa and M., Afify}, title = {ASSESSMENT OF HEPATIC, RENAL,HAEMATOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND LEAD BLOOD LEVEL AMONG EGYPTIAN FIRE FIGHTERS.}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {37-47}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.729}, abstract = {Background: Firefighters are potentially exposed to hazardous factors(physical,chemical and biological) during their work which endanger their life. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the health hazards in Egyptian fire fighters bymeasuring the blood level of some of these chemicals (lead, carboxyheamoglobin) and by measuring some biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 25 fire fighter workers ,their ages ranged between 25-37 years (31± 3.5),working in El Maadi fire fighting station. Besides 25,non-smoker healthy subjects , matched for age that ranged from 22 to 35 (30.5 ± 3.8) number,sex, and socioeconomic status. All participants were subjected to the following laboratory investigations: blood lead level, hemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) concentration, kidney and liver functions. Results: This study showed a statistically significant difference between the exposed group and the control group as regards COHb, levels of blood lead, ALT, creatinine and urea, while there was no statistically significant difference between exposed and control groups as regards B2 microglobulin urine level, AST, Gamma GT, albumin, total protein, haemoglobin concentration and bilirubin. Conclusion: This study points out to the need for more health protective measures to avoid adverse health effects that might endanger firefighters under their highly drastic working conditions.Recommendations: Continuous practical training for implementing workplace environmental control measures and proper use of personal protective equipment should be practiced by all firefighters. Firefighters must be under continuous medical follow -up to allow for early detection of any biochemical or hematological changes.   .}, keywords = {fire fighter- liver functions,Renal functions,Lead}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_729.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_729_69eb67f4640afa1a0f4954d35e425ddf.pdf} } @article { author = {El Samra, Gamal}, title = {HEATH PROMOTION AT THE WORKPLACE}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {49-66}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.730}, abstract = {}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_730.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_730_010770b77ce8808b656b6f66d458686b.pdf} } @article { author = {F., Foad and NJ, Awadalla}, title = {PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AND INTESTINAL PROTOZOAL INFECTIONS AMONG SEWAGE WORKERS IN MANSOURA, EGYPT}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {67-81}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.732}, abstract = {Background: The occupational risks for sewage exposed workers for developing Helicobacter pylori and protozoal infections have received a little attention. Studies revealed that H. pylori organism discharged in stool and could be transmitted through contaminated water and consequently could present a significant health problem to sewage workers. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori and protozoal infections and to assess the gastrointestinal symptoms and hematological profile among sewage workers. Also, to determine the risk factors of H. pylori infection.Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted for 60 workers working in Mansoura sewage treatment plant and maintenance of sewage collection system and 30 matched unexposed referents working as food handlers and supervisors in Mansoura University Hospitals. Demographic, occupational and gastrointestinal symptoms datawere collected. Also, laboratory procedures include, complete blood count, stool analysis and culture and detection of H. pylori antigen using immunochromatographic rapid assay were done. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori in sewage workers was 56.7% compared to 16.7% among the control group with highly statistically significant difference between both groups. Heartburn with or without epigastric pain was the only significant gastrointestinal symptoms among sewage workers (43.3%) compared to comparison group (20.0%). Prevalence of E. histolytica in both exposed and comparison groups were high (65% & 56.6%) respectively without statistically significant difference. Giardia Lamblia was more frequent in sewage workers (20.0%) than comparison workers (10.0%) without significant difference. Stool culture was negative for pathogenic organisms (Salmonella or Shigella) in both groups. The risk of H. pylori was significantly higher among workers with poor compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR=3.00, 95%CI: 1.07-10.35), workers with duration of work > 20 years (OR=4.71, 95% CI: 1.10-20.20), workers older than 45 years (OR=4.27, 95%CI: 1.00-18.15) and low educated workers (OR=11.2, 95%CI:1.23-101.89). On logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of H. pylori infection in sewage workers were low education (OR=43.35) and poor compliance with PPE (OR=5.21).Conclusion: H. pylori infection and heartburn with or without epigastric pain are significant health problems in the studied sewage workers. On logistic regression, low education and poor compliance with PPE were the significant predictors of H pylori infection in sewage workers.}, keywords = {H. pylori – gastrointestinal symptoms- protozoal infection – sewage,Workers}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_732.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_732_e79f97daa6a8d09091a016a6aa66e145.pdf} } @article { author = {M., Hammam and A., Abass and A., El-Naggar}, title = {STUDY OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXHAUST EXPOSURE,AS A RISK FOR GENOTOXICITY AND NEPHROTOXICITY AMONG PROFESSIONALDRIVERS IN ZAGAZIG CITY, EGYPT.}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {83-101}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.733}, abstract = {Objectives: vehicle exhaust consists of many toxic components and professional drivers are occupationally exposed to vehicle exhaust during their routine daily work. Hence, the aim of the present study is to evaluate genotoxic and nephrotoxic risk of vehicle exhaust in professional drivers in Zagazig city, Al-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.Subjects and Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was carried out on 33 professional drivers and 34 control office workers as non-exposed control group. A structured questionnaire was offered for all subjects through personal interview.Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants for detection of chromosomal aberrations and measurement of blood lead level. Urine samples also were obtained from all participants for laboratory analysis to detect levels of B2 –microglobulin, microalbumin and trans,trans- muconic acid. Results: A significant increase was observed in the  ercentage of chromosomal aberrations in non smoker and smoker professional drivers when compared to their respective control groups. Also a significant increase in the mean values of B2 microglobulin and microalbumin was observed in studied professional drivers when compared to their control. The results showed that professional drivers have significanthigher blood lead level and urinary trans,trans- muconic acid level as compared to control group, with positive correlation to the duration of exposure. Conclusion: Thus the present study suggests that the induction of cytogenetic changesand renal damage might be due to the cumulative effect of smoking, lead toxicity, benzene toxicity, leaded gasoline and prolonged duration of exposure to vehicle exhaust.  }, keywords = {Key words: chromosomal aberration – B2 microglobulin– microalbumin – Blood lead level – Trans,trans- muconic acid – benzene}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_733.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_733_625e05550c3c6310ec47dadf4ed0ebea.pdf} } @article { author = {NJ, Awadalla and A ., Hegazy and RA., Elmetwally and I., Wahby}, title = {OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS OF IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN EGYPT}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {103-117}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.734}, abstract = {Background: Despite the advances in medical therapy and technology, the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains poor and the need for disease prevention based on identifying the risk factors becomes mandatory. Occupational and environmental exposures were studied in several countries and found to play an important role in the disease development. However, in Egypt, little attention has been paid to study the effect of these factors in the disease development. Objective: to identify the occupational and environmental risk factors associated with the development of IPF in Egypt.Methods: A multicenter hospital- based case-control study was carried out in chest hospitals in three Egyptian Cities: Cairo, Tanta and Mansoura. Study subjects were 201 IPF confirmed cases and 205 age, sex and residence matched controls. Data on occupational and environmental factors were obtained from a questionnaire. Multiplelogistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of IPF in both sexes for single factors with adjustment for age, residence and smoking status. Results: compared with controls, the risk of IPF in male workers was observed to increase significantly in chemical and petrochemical industries and in carpentry and wood working (OR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.02-7.01) and with occupational exposures to Background: Despite the advances in medical therapy and technology, the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains poor and the need for disease prevention based on identifying the risk factors becomes mandatory. Occupational and environmental exposures were studied in several countries and found to play an important role in the disease development. However, in Egypt, little attention has been paid to study the effect of these factors in the disease development. Objective: to identify the occupational and environmental risk factors associated withthe development of IPF in Egypt. Methods: A multicenter hospital- based case-control study was carried out in chesthospitals in three Egyptian Cities: Cairo, Tanta and Mansoura. Study subjects were 201 IPF confirmed cases and 205 age, sex and residence matched controls. Data on occupational and environmental factors were obtained from a questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of IPF in both sexes for single factors with adjustment for age, residence and smoking status. Results: compared with controls, the risk of IPF in male workers was observed to increase significantly in chemical and petrochemical industries and in carpentry and wood working (OR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.02-7.01) and with occupational exposures to Background: Despite the advances in medical therapy and technology, the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains poor and the need for disease prevention based on identifying the risk factors becomes mandatory. Occupational and environmental exposures were studied in several countries and found to play an important rol in the disease development. However, in Egypt, little attention has been paid to study the effect of these factors in the disease development. Objective: to identify the occupational and environmental risk factors associated with the development of IPF in Egypt. Methods: A multicenter hospital- based case-control study was carried out in chest hospitals in three Egyptian Cities: Cairo, Tanta and Mansoura. Study subjects were 201 IPF confirmed cases and 205 age, sex and residence matched controls. Data on occupational and environmental factors were obtained from a questionnaire. Multiplelogistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of IPF in both sexes for single factors with adjustment for age, residence and smoking status. Results: compared with controls, the risk of IPF in male workers was observed to increase significantly in chemical and petrochemical industries and in carpentry and wood working (OR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.02-7.01) and with occupational exposures to  wood dust and wood  preservatives. Among female workers, a significant increase was observed in farming (OR=3.34, 95%CI: 1.17-10.12), raising birds and occupational exposures to animal feeds, products and dusts and to pesticides. Risk of IPF decreased significantly in male workers and insignificantly among female workers in sales and clerical related activities. The environmental exposures to birds and cats were significantly associated with elevated risk of IPF development in both sexes. Conclusion: Results confirm previous studies showing positive association of IPF development and occupational and environmental dust exposures. In Egypt, farming, raising birds and wood working are important risk factors in IPF development. }, keywords = {case-control study,Egypt,environment,IPF,Occupations}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_734.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_734_1b55a6431a6a9d5296f406c342c574ce.pdf} } @article { author = {NJ, Awadalla and EA., Kamel}, title = {NON-FATAL OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES SUEZ GOVERNORATE, EGYPT: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES ANALYSIS.}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {119-141}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.735}, abstract = {Background: The collection and analysis of accurate injury statistics is essential for workers’ health and safety and for future prevention and control of similar events. The Suez Governorate of Egypt is hosting one of the large and growing industrial areas of Egypt that contains many industries, old and recent, employing tens of thousands f workers. Objective: The present study examines the insurance claims filed in the branch of Health insurance Organization (HIO) of Suez Governorate over the period of two years aiming at highlighting the problem of non-fatal accidents resulting in injuries,identifying the dangerous industries, searching for the hazardous acts and media of accidents, identifying the most frequently suffered body site and type of injury, and recommending measures to minimize accident rates and severity.Methods: A record-based retrospective descriptive study was conducted and included 742 non- fatal occupational accidents/injuries notified and registered in the HIO Branch of Suez, over the years 2008 and 2009. An abbreviated sheet-form was constructed to collect data originally written in Arabic and in a paragraph-form. It included victims’demographic criteria, accident circumstances and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical package of SPSS version 10. Results: The highest number of claims came from the metal and machinery industries(24%), mining, quarrying and glass industries (23%), then transport and storage industries (13%). Upper and lower extremities were the most frequently affected body sites. Fractures and bruises were the most frequently reported injury types. Amputations constituted 6% of total injuries. Slipping and tripping, being struck by objects and  road traffic accidents were the more frequently reported medium of injuries. Residual impairment and disability were observed in 13.3% of the total claims. Amputations and fractures significantly increased the risk of disability (OR=54.0 and OR=3.15). Eye injuries accounted for 2.42% of the grand total and tended to concentrate in Rock and Steel Industries. Conclusion and recommendations: The metal and machinery industry yielded the largest number of claims of non-fatal injuries to HIO of Suez Governorate. Fractures and bruises ranked first as type of injuries. Amputations and residual impairment and disability were observed in significant proportion of injuries. An integrated  Occupational Health and Safety Program should be launched in industries mentioned in the study specifically where the highest rates of injuries and residual disabilities were reported. }, keywords = {non-fatal injuries, industries, injuries medium, occupational injuries,,victim’s activities, disability}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_735.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_735_845a7fcb703a9a31a3cc78c8bf01ecfa.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {DENTIST’S ATTITUDE TOWARD MERCURY HYGIENE PRACTICE AND ITS CORRELATION WITH URINARY MERCURY LEVELS AMONG EGYPTIAN DENTISTS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {143-156}, year = {2011}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2011.736}, abstract = {Background: Amalgam is the restorative material chosen by many dentists because of its easy manipulation, durability and low cost. It is well known that mercury is highly toxic to the human body. Dentists are exposed in their working environment to mercury vapor and this exposure constitutes a potential risk to them. American Dental Association (ADA) established the recommendations for appropriate mercury hygiene within the dental offices, but they are not practiced properly. Objective: the aim of this study is to evaluate mercury hygiene practice among dentists in Cairo University andits reflection on urine mercury level and kidney function. Methods: This study was carried on 30 dentists working in the Operative Dental Clinics in Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University. Using a specially designed questionnaire to evaluate the attitude of dentists in their following the ADA mercury hygiene recommendations. Urine sample was taken for analysis of mercury concentration and kidney functions from dentists and compared with urine taken from25 nurses and employers working in Kasr El- Aini Hospital not exposed to mercury after taken their consent who served as control group. Results: Showed that 50% of dentists were aware about mercury hazards to them, while 46.66% of dentists believed that amalgam was hazardous to patients only.  Preventive measures taken by the dentists when working with amalgam showed that most of dentists were not following the ADA recommended guidelines. As regard asking the patient not to swallow the spilled mercury in maxillary cavity, there were 23.34% always asking the patient not to swallow the spilled mercury, where as 13.33% never asking the patient not to swallow the spilled mercury. As regard the disposal of mercury waste, dentists did not know the proper method to dispose the waste mercury, 100% of dentists use waste bag to discard excess amalgam. This study showed a highly significant difference between the level of mercury (ug/creatinine) in dentist’s urine (19.73±1.5) and control (5.16±1.47). While as regards urea & creatinine level in urine our results showed a highly significant difference between dentists & control, urea level in dentist’s urine (21.70±2.78) while in control (16.54±1.28) creatinine level in dentist’s urine (1.40±0.59) & among control (0.88±0.34). Conclusion: This study showed that most dentists do not strictly follow the mercury hygiene and ADA guidelines}, keywords = {missed}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_736.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_736_57958310a9d0bc2e4cf205653abc58d0.pdf} }