SOME OF THE NON-AUDITORY EFFECTS OF NOISE AMONG EXPOSED WORKERS IN ABOU-QURKAS SUGAR FACTORY, EL-MINIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT.

Document Type : Study paper

Authors

1 Community and Industrial Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Assiut).

2 Community and Industrial Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University.

3 Bio-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University.

4 Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.

Abstract

Noise is an important health issue that affects more than hearing. Scientific research demonstrates that health effects occur at noise levels below those that impair hearing.Some of these health effects include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, negative effects on sleep, communication, performance and behavior. Forty three healthy workers exposed to noise in different sections in Abou-Qurkas sugar factory were examined.Sound pressure levels in the work place ranged from (65 – 110 dBA). Annoyance, ear pain and heart burn were the most important complaints of the workers (93.0%, 65.1% and 44.2%, respectively). Mid-shift heart rate and blood pressure showed significant increase in comparison with pre-shift levels (P < 0.001). Increase in values of fasting blood sugar level and lipid profile are not statistically significant. Of the exposed subjects 81.3%, had highs levels of urinary vanillylmandelic acid (mid-shift compared
with pre-shift) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The study concluded that work stress due to noise is a common problem among workers exposed to noise in Abou-Qurkas sugar factory, and therefore efforts should be directed towards reducing its level and keeping it in check.
 

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