The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL CADMIUM EXPOSURE ON BIOLOGICAL BONE MARKERS IN WELDERS
139
152
EN
Mansour
N.
Dept. Of Occupational &Environmental Medicine
Badran
D.
Dept. Of Forensic Medicine& Clinical Toxic
Sheta
M.
Dept. Of Chemical Pathology,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Esawy
R.
Dept. Of Chemical Pathology,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
10.21608/ejom.2010.718
Objective: The exact mechanism of interference between cadmium and bone mineralization remains for further studies. Therefore this study aimed at assessing the associations between urinary cadmium levels as an indicator of body burden<br />and osteoblastic and osteoclastic biological bone markers as an indicators of bone effects in middle aged welders. Methods: The studied population consist of a group of welders (n=30) selected from two welder shops in EL Manial and those who were engaged in welding work in Kasr Al-Aini hospital and matched control (n=20). All participants were subjected to occupational and medical history, creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium (U-Cd) as an indicator of the whole body burden and biochemical markers of bone turnover. Bone formation and bone resorption were assessed by<br />measuring the N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) and C-telopeptide crosslaps of type I collagen (CTX-1) respectively. Results: U-Cd and CTX-1 were significantly higher in welders when compared to the controls. Further comparison of the exposed group(regarding U-Cd level ≤ 5 μg/ g cr and > 5 μg/ g cr) and control revealed statistically significant differences as regard U-Cd and CTX-1 in addition to statistically significant lower mean value of P1NP only in the group of U-Cd > 5 μg/ g cr than that in control group. On correlating U-Cd on one hand with duration of work, smoking index, CTX-1and P1NP on the other, non significant correlation was found. In conclusion our study may<br />confirm other studies which claim that Cd increase osteoclastic bone markers and hence has a direct bone effect.
Welders,cadmium,bone formation marker(P1NP),bone resorption marker(CTX-1)
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_718.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_718_acd81cb94cfe6bc9f39abd7d7be5d465.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS AMONG CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS IN EGYPT
153
172
EN
El Mahdy
M.
National Egyptian Centre of Environmental and Toxicological Research (NECTR)
Radwan
M.
National Egyptian Centre of Environmental and Toxicological Research (NECTR)
Soliman
F.
National Egyptian Centre of Environmental and Toxicological Research (NECTR)
10.21608/ejom.2010.719
INTRODUCTION: Suicide represents an important public health concern in many developed and developing countries. Suicide has become one of the most common causes of death among the young and adolescent population. It represents a crucial issue that society should make every possible effort to solve. AIM OF THE WORK:To provide an overview about the incidence of suicidal attempts among a representative sample of children and adolescents attending NECTR. METHODOLOGY: During a period of 6 months, 2350 suicidal attempts were reported to the National Egyptian Center of Toxicological and Environmental Research (NECTR), 457 (19.4%) of whom were children and adolescents. The patient’s gender, clinical state, the type and amount of the toxic substance used, management, outcome and the associated psychosocial factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Suicidal attempts were more common in females, the commonest age was from 15 to 18 years old. The majority of patients were from Giza governorate, the commonest types of poisons used were pesticides owing to their easy availability and lower price. Causes were quarrel within the family, bad treatment<br />at work, failure in love, and psychic troubles. Most of the cases were admitted to the centre, they received appropriate treatment according to their condition and most of them improved. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis, treatment and prevention are crucial in reducing the burden of poisoning-related injury in any country. Societies, families, and the medical community should also make every possible effort to face this serious problem, which has an important social and economical cost. The present data may not give an exact picture of the incidence of poisoning in Egypt, but represent<br />a trend in our country. The poison information centers play a vital role in providing information, highlighting the factors behind such attempts and provide statistical analysis for proper assessment and intervention.
children and adolescents-suicidal attempts- poisoning- risk factorsprevention
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_719.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_719_be810a1683d67cebf8ed8719f75cb3db.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO BENZENE AMONG PETROL STATIONS’ WORKERS IN ZAGAZIG CITY BY USING TRANS,TRANS-MUCONIC ACID AS URINARY INDICATOR
171
181
EN
Abou El-Magd
A.
Departments of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine,Clinical athology
El-Gohary
A.
Departments of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine,Clinical athology
Hammam
A.
Departments of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine,Clinical athology
Atfy
M.
Departments of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine,Clinical Pathology*
Kandeel
A.
Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology ,
Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University
10.21608/ejom.2010.720
Introduction: Benzene is an important raw material for the manufacture of synthetic rubbers, gums, lubricants, dyes, pharmaceutics and agriculture chemicals. Occupational exposure to Benzene may induce some adverse health effects. Aim of the work: This study aimed to the evaluation of Benzene exposure among petrol Stations workers by<br />assessment of some symptomatic, hematological and immunological changes by using trans- trans muconic acid (t, t MA) as a urinary indicator. Subjects and Methods: A comparative cross – sectional study was conducted on five petrol stations. The study sample was 32 workers, they were classified as 12 exposed to benzene and 20 non-exposed control group. All subjects were interviewed and subjected to a structured questionnaire. They were asked to pass urine at the end of theshift to determine trans, trans muconic acid using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blood samples had obtained from all volunteers to detect peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) also serum concentrations of IgG and IgM were determined by suitable method. Results: A statistically significant higher prevalence of adverse symptoms among exposed workers compared to control group. In addition, there were significantly higher values of trans, trans muconic acid among exposed group compared to control group with significant correlation (P< 0.01) between t, t MA level and duration of exposure. Conclusion: Exposure to benzene in Petrol stations workers induces significant reduction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), immunological changes, and adverse symptomatic effects.<br /> Recommendations: More studies are needed to explore the details of occupational exposure to benzene for purposes of prevention and control.
missed
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_720.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_720_dac70dcf9f0b07d347b8bd2b59573f3e.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: A SURVEY OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS’ KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND COMPLIANCE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN ISMAILIA CITY
183
200
EN
Abbas
RA
Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department
Faculty of Medicine – Zagazig University
El-Gohary
SS
Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department
Faculty of Medicine – Zagazig University
10.21608/ejom.2010.721
Objectives: This study was conducted to assess hospital staff’ knowledge, selfreported compliance and actual practice of universal precautions, identify important non adherence factors, and determine the proportion of participants exposed to blood and other body fluids with identification of the associated risk factors. Subjects and Methods: A total of 152 hospital staff from different job categories at risky departments in a tertiary care hospital in Ismailia City were included in this survey study where a structured questionnaire and a direct observation check list were used. Results: The mean percent score of participants’ self-reported compliance was much higher than those of knowledge and actual practice. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found only between percent score of participants’ knowledge and practice. A gab between knowledge and practice was detected where 75% of the studied participants had insufficient knowledge while 36.2% of them had insufficient practice.Insufficient knowledge was significantly revealed among males, nurses and surgical departments’ staff; while insufficient practice was significantly detected among nurses, surgical departments’ staff, those with > 48 working hours per week and hospital staff with > 3 constrains. The majority of the participants (65.1%) got their information from sources other than the hospital. Work-related factors were the most important compliance barriers. The majority of the participants had history of sharps injury and exposure to blood or other body fluids splashes at work; however, none of these Objectives: This study was conducted to assess hospital staff’ knowledge, selfreported compliance and actual practice of universal precautions, identify important non adherence factors, and determine the proportion of participants exposed to blood and other body fluids with identification of the associated risk factors. Subjects and Methods: A total of 152 hospital staff from different job categories at risky departments in a tertiary care hospital in Ismailia City were included in this survey study where a structured questionnaire and a direct observation check list were used. Results: The mean percent score of participants’ self-reported compliance was much higher than those of knowledge and actual practice. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found only between percent score of participants’ knowledge and practice. A gab between knowledge and practice was detected where 75% of the studied participants had insufficient knowledge while 36.2% of them had insufficient practice. Insufficient knowledge was significantly revealed among males, nurses and surgical<br /> departments’ staff; while insufficient practice was significantly detected among nurses, surgical departments’ staff, those with > 48 working hours per week and hospital staff with > 3 constrains. The majority of the participants (65.1%) got their information from sources other than the hospital. Work-related factors were the most important compliance barriers. The majority of the participants had history of sharps injury and exposure to blood or other body fluids splashes at work; however, none of these Objectives: This study was conducted to assess hospital staff’ knowledge, selfreported<br /> compliance and actual practice of universal precautions, identify important non adherence factors, and determine the proportion of participants exposed to blood and other body fluids with identification of the associated risk factors. Subjects and Methods: A total of 152 hospital staff from different job categories at risky departments in a tertiary care hospital in Ismailia City were included in this survey study where a structured questionnaire and a direct observation check list were used. Results: The mean percent score of participants’ self-reported compliance was much higher than<br />those of knowledge and actual practice. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found only between percent score of participants’ knowledge and practice. A gab between knowledge and practice was detected where 75% of the studied participants had insufficient knowledge while 36.2% of them had insufficient practice. Insufficient knowledge was significantly revealed among males, nurses and surgical departments’ staff; while insufficient practice was significantly detected among nurses, surgical departments’ staff, those with > 48 working hours per week and hospital staff with > 3 constrains. The majority of the participants (65.1%) got their information from sources other than the hospital. Work-related factors were the most important compliance barriers. The majority of the participants had history of sharps injury and exposure to blood or other body fluids splashes at work; however, none of these incidents were reported. These exposures were significantly revealed among nurses, staff in surgical departments and those with insufficient knowledge and practice of universal precautions. Conclusions: Hospital staff are at high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens, yet universal precautions are not well understood or implemented. So, implementing a specifically tailored infection-control program will be most effective in protecting them.<br /> .
Key words: Knowledge,Practice,Compliance,universal precautions,Health Care Providers,sharps injury,blood splash,body fluids splash
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_721.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_721_ef1cb36636f3ea3a4480c8b5ad4dbf57.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES AND MALE INFERTILITY, A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
211
224
EN
El-Helaly
ME
1Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine,
Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Awadalla
NJ
Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department,Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Mansour
M.
Dermatology and Andrology Department,
Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
El-Biomy
Y
Dermatology and Andrology Department,
Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
El Samanoudy
AZ
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine,Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
10.21608/ejom.2010.722
Objectives: this study was carried out to examine the association between male infertility and certain occupational exposures. Methods: a case-control study was carried out from 2008 to 2009; on 255 infertile men and 267 fertile men controls. Occupational exposure to certain chemical, physical and psychological work-place hazards were assessed by<br />self-report questionnaire. General and andrology medical examination were done for all participants, however semen analysis was done only for the infertile men cases, because the fertile men controls refused to give semen samples. Results: after adjustment of confounders, the results revealed that the following occupational exposure factors<br />significantly increased the risk of male infertility: solvents and painting materials(OR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.50-10.03), lead (OR: 5.43, 95% CI: 1.28-23.13), VDTs and computers (OR: 8.01, 95% CI: 4.03-15.87), shift work (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.12-11.57) and workrelated stress (Fairly present: OR 3.11, 95% CI: 1.85-5.24; Often present: OR: 3.76,<br />95% CI: 1.96-7.52) Conclusion: although the limitations of this study, it supports other studies that ring the bell to minimize the exposure to the work-place hazards that may affect the fertility of men workers.
-Occupational,exposure,male,Infertility,Semen
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_722.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_722_2dba250dbe9375c39a3c771322dcd40d.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS INDICATORS IN PAINTERS,IS POWDER COATING SAFER?
215
237
EN
Zawilla
NH.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Cairo University
Manawil
M
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Cairo University
El Shafi
W.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Cairo University
Rashed
L.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
10.21608/ejom.2010.723
Background: There are different and diverse groups of paints, the potential toxicity of which depends on the types of pigments, resins and solvents used in their manufacture. Numerous recent evidences support the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiologyof genotoxicity induced by the exposure to solvent based paints. Indeed powder coatings were considered as safer than other types of paintings. Recently however health problems when handling or using a powder coating may arise through exposure to hazardous substances, which may be contained in the coatings, or to the powder<br />coating itself. Objectives: to evaluate the genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to paints and the possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of chromosomal aberrations, and to compare these effects between workers exposed to solvent based paints and workers exposed to powder coatings (dry paints) which are considered as a safer alternative to solvent based paints. Subjects: The study population consisted of 65 males divided into 34 exposed and 31 control groups. The exposed group was comprised of all workers exposed to paint in the painting unit of a small scale factory in<br />Cairo involved in furniture production and painting. The exposed workers were further subdivided into two subgroups, group 1 (n=23) comprised workers occupationally exposed to solvent based paints, and group 2 (n=11) comprised workers exposed to dry powder coating type of painting. Methods: every individual was subjected to detailed<br />occupational and medical history, cytogenetic chromosomal analysis and laboratory investigations to evaluate the level of oxidative stress indicators, malondialdehyde (MDA), Peroxynitrile (PN) and Total Sulphydril Groups (SHG). Results: The<br /> chromosomal aberrations and oxidative stress (higher MDA and PN and lower SHG) were significantly higher in the painters group compared to the control. The mean level of all aberrations except separation was highest in group 1 (solvent based painters) compared to group 2 (powder dry painters) and control group, and the difference was<br />highly significant between group 1 and group 2 for all aberrations. The mean level of aberrations was higher in group 2 compared to the control group, but the difference was not significant for all except for break/ gap type aberrations. Oxidative stress was evident in group 1compared to group2 and the control group. On the other hand, oxidative stress was more evident in group 2 compared to the control and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Our study confirms other studies that claim the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of genotoxicity in painters especially those exposed to solvent based paints. The higher level in the chromosonmal aberrations and oxidative stress indicators in the dry powder coating exposed workers compared to the control, indeed raises suspicion that powder coatings is a “Safer Alternative to Solvent Based Paints”. Adopting safe working procedures will definitely reduce the<br />risks to a minimum.
solvent-based paints, powder coatings, genotoxicity, oxidative stress,,peroxinitrile, total sulphydril groups
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_723.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_723_dee2a735005b302782f4fecebff4cbf3.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
DYNAMIC POSTUROGRAPHY FINDINGS IN WORKERS EXPOSED TO TOLUENE
239
253
EN
Hosni
NA
Audiology Unit, ENT Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
El-Dessouky
TM
Audiology Unit, ENT Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
Hassan
MA
Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases Department,Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
Samir
AM
Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases Department,Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
El-mezayen
HA
Biochemistry Department , Faculty of science, Helwan University, Egypt.
10.21608/ejom.2010.724
Background Exposure to volatile organic solvents as toluene, in the workplace,is associated with deleterious effects involved in postural regulation. Objectives:The aim of this study is to detect the disturbances of the vestibular system due to exposure to toluene using dynamic posturography, putting a hypothesis to use dynamic posturography as a possible tool to identify the effects on balance among workers exposed to toluene. Subjects and methods: the study was performed on 30workers exposed to toluene and 30 workers non exposed (control). History, dynamic posturography (the central integration of the vestibular, visual, and somatosensory inflow is evaluated using sensoriorganization test (SOT)) and hippuric acid measurement in urine were performed to both groups. Results: hippuric acid levels in urine were<br />statistically significant higher among exposed workers when compared to the control. Dynamic posturography results were statistically significant lower in the exposed group in conditions SOT 3 (p=0.015), SOT 4 (p=0.014), SOT 5, (p=0.001) SOT 6 (p= 0.000) and CS (P =0.000) when compared to control group. A statistically significant negative<br />correlation between urinary hippuric acid and dynamic posturography. There were significant negative correlation between duration of exposure to toluene and dynamic posturography. Conclusion: Exposure to toluene affects vestibular system so dynamic posturography is useful in balance assessment in workers exposed to toluene.
Dynamic posturography,Hippuric acid- Postural regulation- Toluene
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_724.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_724_41037049391f3e8f9593c3892e7058de.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN A TOBACCO FACTORY
255
266
EN
Abdel Rasoul
GM
Departemt of Public Health and Community Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia Unversity,
El-Sobky
MK
Departemt of Public Health and Community Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia Unversity,
Michael
AA
Departemt of Public Health and Community Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia Unversity,
El Dalatony
MM
Departemt of Public Health and Community Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia Unversity,
Lucchini
R
Institute of Occupational Medicine, University of Breccias, Italy
10.21608/ejom.2010.725
Objectives: This work aimed to study respiratory disorders and pulmonary function tests among workers in a tobacco factory along with measurements of levels of serum IgE, and urinary cotinine and studying dust level inside the factory. Subjects & methods: The study was carried out on 79 randomly selected tobacco processing workers in a tobacco manufacturing factory in Menoufia Governorate and 80 voluntarily participating controls. Both groups matched for age, sex, residence, income and educational level and were subjected to a structured chest symptoms questionnaire, clinical chest examination, spirometric measurements and measurements of total serum IgE (IU/ml) and urinary cotinine (ng/ml) by Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA). Environmental total and respirable dust was measured inside the factory. Results: Tobacco workers reported significantly higher respiratory symptoms and signs (cough, expectoration and wheezes), (P<0.05) as compared with controls and had lower mean values of predicted spirometric measurements (FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC), Phigher among tobacco workers (75.06 + 43.69 and 1422.73 + 1265.59) than controls (57.43 + 38.55 and 84.33 + 82.89, respectively), P < 0.05. Smoker and non-smoker tobacco-exposed workers had statistically significantly lower mean percentage values of predicted of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC as compared with smoker and non-smoker<br />controls, (P <0.05). In addition, urinary cotinine and serum Ig E were significantly higher among smoker and non-smoker exposed workers as compared with exposed and non-smoker controls. A negative weak and significant correlation between spirometric measurements and levels of serum Ig E is noted among tobacco workers. Conclusion: The respiratory impairments noted among tobacco processing workers might be due to their exposure to the work environment and sensitization to tobacco dust.
respiratory,Tobacco,Workers,Ig E,Cotinine
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_725.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_725_517155086c40dda1fb7680c3a2958200.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
34
2
2010
07
01
HEPATITIS B VIRAL MARKERS AND VACCINATION STATUS AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN MENOUFIA GOVERNORATE
267
279
EN
Abdel Rasoul
GM
Departemt of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University,
El Bahnasy
RE
Departemt of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University,
Michael
AA
Departemt of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University,
Hendy
OM
Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University
Ahmed
AR
Department of Environmental Health, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University
10.21608/ejom.2010.726
Objectives: this study aimed at determinination of HBV viral markers, vaccination status of physicians and nurses acting in high risk departments and to estimate anti- HBs titer in vaccinated persons. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional study was done for doctors and nurses in high-risk departments in a district hospital in Menoufiya Governorate selected by simple random sampling. One hundred health care workers (HCWs) voluntarily participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, HBV vaccination history and occupational risk factors. ELISA was used to test sera for HBsAg, Anti-HBs and total anti-HBc. Results: among the 100 participants, none of them tested positive for HBsAg, 49% had Anti-HBs, and 26% had Anti-HBc. Only 29% of the HCWs were immune after vaccination although 34% reported complete three doses HBV vaccine. Forty five of HCWs (45%) never vaccinated and were susceptible to HBV infection. The prevalence of life time exposure to HBV was 26%. All who reported complete vaccination had HBsAb, pyears (149.48± 43.67 vs. 97.47±29.25), in those who are free from chronic diseases (144.77± 45.70 vs. 102.08±31.01), and among those who had last dose of vaccine exposure factor. There is a need to vaccinate all HCWs as a matter of policy.
HBV, Vaccination, HCWs, Viral Markers, Occupational Exposure, Anti-,HBs
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_726.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_726_fda84f7de91edc7173c98c23442b142a.pdf