Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
2
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
3
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Abstract
Introduction: Workers in textile dyeing units are daily exposed to various chemical,
physical, and mechanical occupational hazards that can significantly affect their health.
Aim of Work: The current study aimed to identify workplace health, safety, and
environmental hazards occurring in dyeing units of textile factories in Dakahlia, Egypt,
and associated changes in workers’ health and some blood parameters. Materials and
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in three textile dyeing
units on 106 currently employed workers and a comparison group of 106 workers from
units other than dyeing. A walk-through survey was done using Elmeri observational
checklist. Workers were subjected to an interviewer-administrated questionnaire that
included sociodemographic, occupational characteristics and the last six months
reported health complaints. Their complete blood counts, liver, and kidney functions
were also assessed. Results: Elmeri index scores of studied dyeing units showed that
occupational health and safety situation was good (61.1%) in unit 1, moderate (50.0%)
in unit 3, and poor (38.9%) in unit 2. Exposed workers reported significantly more
respiratory and dermatological problems, musculoskeletal pain, visual and hearing
complaints than those in the comparison group. Moreover, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and
ALP) were significantly higher among textile dyes-exposed workers than those of the
comparison group. Lastly, liver enzymes of workers in the dyeing unit with the poorest
industrial hygiene score were significantly higher than those of workers in the other two
units. Conclusion: Studied textile dyeing units had various uncontrolled environmental
hazards. Exposed workers showed significantly related health complaints along with
altered blood parameters. These findings highlight the importance of workplace
assessments and targeted improvements in workplace conditions.
Keywords
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