Medicina Ocupacional y Asuntos de Salud

Abstracto

Some Health Disorders among Workers in a Glass Factory

Abdel-Rasoul GM, Al-Batanony MA, Abu-Salem ME, Taha AA and Faten Unis

Introduction: The common Health hazards associated with glass manufacturing processes include noise, exposures to respirable airborne particulates [especially silica (SiO2) that leads to chronic effects such as decreased pulmonary function, lung disease, complicated pneumoconiosis (silicosis, the most important and oldest occupational lung diseases worldwide specially in developing countries) and silico-tuberculosis], ergonomic hazards, physical hazards, radiant energy, heat stress disorders and infrared radiation. Aim of the study: Studying some health disorders among Egyptian workers in a glass industry as well as to assessing workplace environment in the same factory. Participants and methods: A cross sectional comparative study was carried out over 250 worker in a glass factory and 250 non-occupational exposed group. Environmental study of dust and fumes, and noise levels was done. Spirometric measurements as well as X-ray film to any worker with abnormal spirometry and air conduction audiometric examination were applied. Results: The mean value of both free crystalline silica concentration and noise level is higher than the national and international permissible levels. Glass factory workers had a higher significant prevalence of chest, auditory and heat related manifestations as well as deteriorated spirometric measurements and abnormal audiometric findings. Conclusion: Exposure to high level of silica dust and noise are blamed to increase the frequency of chest manifestations, early spirometric changes, few X-ray findings and occupationally induced hearing loss. Using automated cullets crushing machine to decrease exposure to dust and using good quality of personal protective equipments especially masks and ear muffles are must.