The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901STUDY OF SOME HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG OPERATING THEATER PERSONNEL DUE TO EXPOSURE TO ANESTHETIC GASES (PART I)3033261219710.21608/ejom.2018.12197ENSiha MSDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo UniversityFarahat SADepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo UniversityRashed LADepartment of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.Helmy NMDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.Journal Article20180902Introduction: The use of anesthetic gases might lead to Chromosomal Aberrations (CAs) among the operating room personnel. Aim of work: To monitor isoflurane air level in the environment of operating rooms denoting the use of anesthetic gases, and to assess the CAs among operating room (OR) personnel. Materials and Methods: Operating room personnel 184 (68 males and 116 females) were included in the study and compared with 192 other hospital areas personnel (63 males and 129 females). All subjects filled a questionnaire including personnel, family, past and present histories. All subjects were tested for chromosomal aberrations. Operating theaters were evaluated regarding the type of breathing circuits used whether open or closed, the type of anesthetic gases used, presence of air conditioning, and scavenging system. Isoflurane air level was measured using the organic method 103 by OSHA. Results: OR personnel had significantly higher percentage of CAs than control group (p value <0.001). Also it is higher with higher concentrations of waste anesthetic gases. There was a positive correlation between prolonged exposure to high concentrations of anesthetic gases and the occurrence of CAs among exposed OR personnel. Smoking had positive significant effect on frequency of CAs (p value = 0.017). Isoflurane air level was higher than NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (RELs) in most of measured points, and that the level is higher in dual open and closed circuits using theaters, also the level was higher in points near the anesthesia machine and in recovery rooms than critical care rooms. Conclusion: Isoflurane air level was higher than RELs in most of measured points. Personnel working in operating theaters are more at risk to develop chromosomal aberrations than controls. Recommendations: Implementation of adequate and working scavenging system and air conditioning, use of closed circuits whenever possible, periodic checking of anesthetic air levels, chromosomal studies for working personnel, and replacement of any malfunctioning parts of anesthesia machine.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12197_66442e8080e850fc844ea4216b7d6c47.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901ASSESSMENT OF AUDITORY FUNCTIONS IN WORKERS EXPOSED TO STYRENE3273361219810.21608/ejom.2018.12198ENEl-Sherif GHDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.Abdelrafaa EEDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.Journal Article20180902Introduction: Ototoxicity is commonly medication-induced; however, there are increasing scientific data indicating that exposure to some industrial solvents and chemicals, including styrene, are associated with a risk of auditory impairment in humans. Many studies reported auditory system effects and poorer audiometric thresholds in styrene exposed individuals. Aim of work: The aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between workers exposed to styrene in fibreglass reinforced plastic manufacturing and hearing threshold changes. Materials and Methods: All workers who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study were 20 males. A control group of 24 individuals were randomly selected as to be matched with the exposed group. Full medical history was taken including personal, occupational, present, past and family histories. Pure-tone audiometry was done to the studied groups using portable audiogram device. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment was higher among styrene-exposed group when compared to the non-exposed group; however, difference was not statistically significant. Different degrees of hearing impairment were found among the exposed group (mild, moderate and severe), whereas only a mild degree of hearing impairment was detected among the control group. In addition, there was no significant difference between exposed and non-exposed groups concerning hearing thresholds at all tested frequencies of audiometry in both ears. Conclusion: The results of this study did not support the assumption that occupational exposure to styrene is related to a significant decrease in hearing acuity.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12198_ed0682cbc0658277c5ca23be25ff2259.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901A VISION FOR OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE IN EGYPT, EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS (REVIEW)3373641219910.21608/ejom.2018.12199ENZawilla NHDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.Journal Article20180902In Egypt occupational medicine (OM) continues to be one of medicine’s smallest specialties facing challenges both in terms of demand for consultants and trainees in occupational medicine, occupational health and safety practice. The decline in the number of occupational physicians is surprising when occupational health is such an important aspect of health. Occupational injuries and illnesses are among the five leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.<br />Future vision for occupational medicine in Egypt needs multilevel and multisystem cooperation. Evaluation of the current situation of the discipline as a scientific specialty is needed. Indeed the legal and health systems reforming are a corner stone in development of the discipline, especially that “occupational diseases” is more a legal definition than scientific. The Labor Law (12/ 2003) introduces some quite important changes. However, the enforcement of labor legislations in Egypt has always been rather weak. It is recommended to redefine and assess the competencies of occupational physicians. Education, training and information mechanisms and institutions play a vital role in the progressive construction of a national Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) system. As part from the general research fields, the research in occupational medicine generally faces the same challenges that faces other specialties with some difficulties related to the unique nature of the discipline. Safety culture promotion, and revitalization of the Supreme Advisory Council on OSH are also needed. Occupational rehabilitation and therapy are part of the discipline that should be focused on. In addition, Egypt being a country where micro and small and medium sized enterprises, together with agriculture, employ the majority of labor force, identification of priorities for the development of a national OSH action program for this category of industrial activity is crucial.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12199_6691b7a4a20794a08234c996eeaac6f6.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND DRIVING BEHAVIOR AMONG PROFESSIONAL MINIBUS DRIVERS AT ZAGAZIG CITY, SHARQIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT.3653821220310.21608/ejom.2018.12203ENHammam RAMDepartment of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig UniversityZalat MMDepartment of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University&
Taibah University, Al Madinah City, Saudi Arabia.Abdelsalam NMDepartment of Public Health and Preventive Medicine ,Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University,Mesallam DIADepartment of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology,
Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University,4 Department of Family and Community MedicineJournal Article20180902Introduction: According to The Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), 72% of road traffic accidents occur due to aberrant driving behavior. Substance abuse particularly cannabis is commonly used among Egyptian commercial drivers and seriously affects safe driving. Aim of work: To assess the magnitude of substance abuse among a sample of professional minibus drivers, Zagazig city, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt, to investigate their driving behavior and to determine the predicting factors for the risky driving behavior as a major cause of road accidents. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Al Ahrar main public station, Zagazig city, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt on a sample of 130 commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire was introduced to all participants and included data on socio occupational status and the driving behavior questionnaire (DBQ) which is composed of 26 items. Substance abuse was screened through rapid assessment urine test. Results: Among the participants, 57.7% tested positive for substance abuse and the most common abused substance was cannabis which represented 80% of the positive participants. The DBQ scores were higher among substance abused drivers with statistical significant difference particularly in most of violations and error items. The predictors for aberrant driving behavior were low income, excessive speeding, previous involvement in road traffic crash and substance abuse. Conclusion: Illicit drugs are commonly used by Egyptian professional drivers and seriously affect safe driving. Regular traffic police campaigns for screening of substance abuse among commercial drivers and applying of road safety awareness program can lower the prevalence and burden of road traffic accidents in Egypt.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12203_c8eeddedfd024351ee177ce6dc5a3b9f.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901HEALTH IMPACT OF EXPOSURE TO COPPER AND ZINC AMONG WORKERS IN A METAL DIE CASTING FOUNDRY IN 10TH RAMADAN CITY3833981220410.21608/ejom.2018.12204ENShouman AEDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.Ahmed WSDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.El Hosseini DMDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.Salloum HADepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.Journal Article20180902Introduction: Little information is present regarding health impact of copper and zinc exposure among metal die casting workers in Egyptian foundries. Aim of work: 1-To measure blood levels of zinc and copper among the studied groups, 2- To measure the prevalence of respiratory hazards among exposed workers and their impact, 3-To identify other health problems due to copper and zinc exposure such as anemia and respiratory disorders, and lastly 4- To correlate such problems with blood levels of zinc and copper. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 male workers, 30 of them were the exposed group involved in processes like melting. The other 30 were chosen from the administrative departments in the same foundry as the reference group. All workers were interviewed using questionnaire for occupational history, respiratory and other symptoms. Blood samples were taken to measure serum copper and zinc, hemoglobin (Hb), and white blood cells counts (WBCs). Ventilatory functions were assessed too. Results: The study showed no significant difference in the blood levels of zinc and copper among the studied groups. However, symptoms related to copper and zinc toxicity were significantly more prevalent among the exposed group, like respiratory symptoms, symptoms regarding skin, throat and eye irritation, metallic taste in the mouth and exhaustion. Symptoms suggestive of metal fume fever including flue like symptoms, arthralgia, fever, and leukocytosis were more prevalent among the exposed workers, but without significant difference. There was no significant correlation between copper and zinc blood levels and other findings such as; Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire scores, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate scores, mean Hb, and WBCs level. Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference in blood levels of zinc and copper among the studied groups, exposed workers were complaining of different symptoms, one of which was respiratory symptoms that had a significant impact on their social and psychological functioning.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12204_0b8a527875ae69a8f0bcc35cf4a0258d.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPUTER USE AMONG MINIA UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES3994101220510.21608/ejom.2018.12205ENElkhateeb ASDepartment of Public Health and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Minia University, Minia, Egypt.Kamal NNDepartment of Public Health and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Minia University, Minia, Egypt.Gamal El-Deen HMDepartment of Public Health and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Minia University, Minia, Egypt.Reda AMDepartment of Public Health and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Minia University, Minia, EgypJournal Article20180902Introduction: Occupational use of computers has increased rapidly over recent decades, and has been linked with various musculoskeletal complaints.Repetitive hand movements lead to overload of the upper extremity and neck, and prolonged sitting posture leads to overload on the lower back. Pain in the upper extremities and the neck-shoulder region will affect the workers’ health and productivity and it accounts for most work-related time lost. Aim of work: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among computer office workers in Minia University. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study; a total of 182 computer office workers in Minia University were interviewed during the period from January to June 2016. Every participant completed a questionnaire that included his socio-demographic data, and information about any job-related musculoskeletal disorders. Describing and determining the site of pain was performed by using the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ). Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was arranged in the following order: lower back pain (78%), neck complaints (68.1%) and upper musculoskeletal complaints (61.5%). There were significant associations between doing repetitive tasks, and not taking breaks on the one hand and lower back pain complaint on the other hand (p<0.001and 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was observed among computer office workers due to poor ergonomic practices in their workplace, being in the same position for long period, doing repetitive tasks and lack of regular breaks. The use of ergonomic principles will reduce these types of pain.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12205_c60e2f60227754b97acddb128c85264f.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901HEALTH HAZARDS AND SAFETY CULTURE DESCRIPTION AMONG CABLE MANUFACTURE EGYPTIAN WORKERS4114261220610.21608/ejom.2018.12206ENHakim SADepartment of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptMoamen MDepartment of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180902Introduction: Cable manufacture workers are at risk of exposure to physical, chemical (as toluene di isocyanate, polyethylene, polypropylene, copper and polyvinyl chloride) and mechanical hazards. Safety culture is defined as the group of beliefs, perceptions and values regarding safety that are disseminated within a specific group. Safety culture is considered as an important concept in understanding the state of safety in organizations. Aim of work: To identify the knowledge of workers of a cable manufacture factory with the types of occupational exposures they may encounter, to evaluate their perception of workplace safety culture and to find out the factors related to workplace accidents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 122 workers. An interview questionnaire including information on their socio-demographic and occupational history, their knowledge of workplace hazards, and safety culture perception at work was included. Blood lead level was measured for 24 workers as a part of their periodic medical examination. Results: The most common exposures encountered were noise, accidents mainly related to bad housekeeping and lack of personal protective devices, fire and ergonomic hazards. Fifty nine percent of workers felt they were facing medium to high risk at work. About 83.3% of the workers who had blood lead levels done were below 40 micrograms/dl. A significant association was found between number of accidents encountered in the previous year and education, noise exposure, awkward posture and wearing personal protective devices. Conclusion: Cable manufacturing is a risky occupation thus safety culture rising at workplace is crucial to acquire higher levels of performance and productivity.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12206_59efdd88db83e984d4590fc8b669a5bd.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901CLINICAL AND LABORATORY FINDINGS AMONG NAPHTHALENE BALLS MANUFACTURING WORKERS4274421220910.21608/ejom.2018.12209ENSamir AMDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Shaker DADepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Abdelaal AADepartment of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Salem AEDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Journal Article20180902Introduction: Exposure to naphthalene is associated with many toxic effects in humans and laboratory animals. Aim of work: To assess the clinical and laboratory changes among workers occupationally exposed to naphthalene during manufacturing of naphthalene balls. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on fifty workers in naphthalene balls manufacturing factory. They were compared with fifty non-exposed individuals. Full history was taken and clinical examination was performed. Complete blood picture, reticulocyte count and G6PD activity, urinary naphthalene, albumin and α1 microglobulin in urine were measured in both groups. Environmental assessment of naphthalene in air at workplace was done. Results: The level of urinary (1- and 2-naphthol), urinary albumin and urinary α 1-microgloblin were significantly higher (p< 0.001) among the exposed group compared to the control one. Hemoglobin levels and hematocrit percentage were significantly decreased (p< 0.001) among the exposed group compared to the control. A statistically significant positive correlations among exposed workers were found between the level of urinary (1-and 2-napthanol) and each of duration of employment, urinary albumin and α 1-microgloblin . There were a statistically significant negative correlation between urinary (1 and 2-napthanol) and hemoglobin level. The geometric means of the measurement of naphthalene at workplace were 100 mg/m3 which exceeded the occupational exposure limits according to Egyptian Environmental law (50 mg/m3). Conclusion: Occupational exposure to naphthalene leads to increased risk of health hazards with possible renal and hematological impairment. Therefore environmental control measures and good work practices are recommended at the workplace.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12209_7922733d1a1de6c89106a4df70f5fe48.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901IMPACT OF DUST EXPOSURE AMONG STONE QUARRY WORKERS ON VENTILATORY FUNCTIONS AND SERUM LEVEL OF TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR- ALPHA (TNF-α)4434522249110.21608/ejom.2018.22491ENEl Shafy WSDepartment of Occupational and Environmental MedicineManawil MGDepartment of Occupational and Environmental MedicineEl-Sherif GHDepartment of Occupational and Environmental MedicineJournal Article20181220Introduction: The health impacts of working in stone quarrying industry have been well documented. Inhalable dust is produced when the stone is cut and by the breaking of the stones on the quarry floor during the transit of the vehicles. A particular concern in some quarries is the inhalation of dust containing silica which can lead to silicosis. Workers exposed to high intensity of dust would have increased Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) in serum which is a strong indicator in predicting the prognosis of pneumoconiosis. Aim of work: To find out the relation between serum levels of TNF-α and some spirometric parameters in workers exposed to stone dust during quarrying. Materials and Methods: Fifty five workers who were exposed to stone dust in quarrying industry participated in the study. A control group of 55 individuals were randomly selected to be matched with the exposed group as regards age, gender, and special habits of medical importance and not exposed to dust. Full medical history and clinical examination were carried out to all participants. Ventilatory function tests (FVC%, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC%, PEF%, FEF25%, FEF50% and FEF75%) and serum level of TNF-α were measured for both groups. Results: There were mild to moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment and mild obstructive impairment among the exposed group (statistically highly significant (p<0.001) when compared to the control . Serum levels of TNF-α were significantly higher among the exposed than the control group. Duration of exposure to dust negatively correlated with spirometric parameters and positively correlated with the serum level of TNF-α among the exposed group. Also the latter negatively correlated with spirometric parameters. Conclusion: Serum TNF-α can be used as a biomarker for detection and follow up of pneumoconiosis in workers exposed to stone dust in quarrying industry.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_22491_38697757dd416b1c2d2afcbd323eb95e.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188142320180901MOTORCYCLE RIDERS’ RISKY BEHAVIORS AND SAFETY MEASURES: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY4534681221010.21608/ejom.2018.12210ENBolbol SADepartment of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt,Zalat MMDepartment of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt & Department of Family and Community Medicine, Taibah University,
Medina, Saudi Arabia.Journal Article20180902Introduction: Motorcycles are one of the widely used means of transportation in Egypt nowadays especially three-wheeled motorcycle “Tok-Tok” and there is an increased frequency of crash injuries among motorcycle riders. Aim of work: To assess the risky behaviors and the safety measures in a group of Egyptian motorcycle riders who experienced road traffic accidents, and to study the possible underlying causes of crash accidents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 319 motorcycle riders admitted to Zagazig University Hospitals due to crash accident. A questionnaire was used to gather information about rider’s risky behaviors and safety issues along with other socio-demographic data. Results: The study showed that the majority of motorcyclists (87.1 %) don’t have a driving license, only (1.9 %) wear helmets and more than half of them (54.5 %) usually use the cell phone while riding and this was noticed more among “Tok-Tok” (3 wheels) riders. About 58.0% of riders don’t respect traffic rules as traffic lights or road signs, and the majority ride on highways. Poor riding technique (73.4 %) was the main cause of accidents. Stunting acts were more common among the two wheels riders with riding experience less than 10 years. Conclusion: the results of this study attract the attention to the main causes of crash accidents which relates to human risky behaviour. This raises the need for proper safety education and training of motorcycle riders with traffic law enforcement, especially driving license and safe riding practices which can definitely help in reducing the incidence of road accidents and save human lives.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_12210_3db0a1c90a03edd262c9b746f69a87a0.pdf