Occupational dermatoses among workers in a porcelain manufacturing factory

The objectives of the present work are to determine the prevalence and risk factors of occurrence of occupational dermatoses among workers in a porcelain manufacturing factory. The study included 235 workers (132 males and 103 females). After history taking, dermatological examination was performed at the work place. Cases of contact dermatitis (CD) were patch tested using potassium dichromate 0.5%, Cobalt chloride 1% and Nickel sulphate 5% in petrolatum. Results showed that the prevalence of occupational dermatoses (OD) was 26.8% among exposed workers. The highest percentage of OD was found among workers in the decoration department. It represented 30.2% of all cases. CD was the commonest presentation among the studied group, it represented 27% of all cases of OD. Results of patch testing indicated that out of 17 cases of CD 12 cases (70%) were of the irritant variety and 5 cases (30%) were of the allergic type. The prevalence of OD was found to be affected by age, duration of work, type of exposure and daily bathing after work.     

Prevalence of hearing loss and accuracy of self-report among factory workers

Noise represents one of the most common occupational health hazards. A Healthy People 2020 objective aims to reduce hearing loss in the noise-exposed public. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare perceived and measured hearing, and to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among a group of factory workers. Data collected as part of an intervention study promoting hearing protector use among workers at an automotive factory in the Midwest were used. Plant employees (n=2691) provided information regarding their perceived hearing ability, work role, and other demographics. The relationships among audiograms, a single-item measure of perceived hearing ability, and demographic data were explored using chi-square, McNemar's test, Mann-Whitney U-test, sensitivity, and specificity. The prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed factory workers was 42% (where hearing loss was defined as >25 dB loss at the OSHA-recommended frequencies of 2, 3, and 4 kHz in either ear). However, 76% of workers reported their hearing ability as excellent or good. The difference in perceived hearing ability was significant at each tested frequency between those with and without measured hearing loss. Self-reported hearing ability was poorly related to results of audiometry. Although this group of workers was employed in a regulated environment and served by a hearing conservation program, hearing loss was highly prevalent. These findings, together with national prevalence estimates, support the need for evaluation of hearing conservation programs and increased attention to the national goal of reducing adult hearing loss.     

Prevalence of diseases in shoe factory workers

The paper evaluates the health status of shoe factory workers. Diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, liver, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and thyroid are prominent in the structure of morbidity in the workers.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers among factory workers in Beijing, China.

Nearly 1,000 serum samples were obtained from apparently healthy workers of both sexes in various factories in Beijing during 1988-1989 and were examined for hepatitis B virus infection markers by radioimmunoassay. The overall prevalence (all ages and both sexes combined) of cases positive for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were 3.7%, 36.6% and 37.7%, respectively and the rate of those negative to any of the three markers studied was 56.1%. The infection rate was lower than the values reported early in the 1980s for Beijing populations or the values for populations in other parts of China.     

Prevalence and risk factors of occupational hand dermatoses in electronics workers

The electronics industry is becoming an important mainstream in the workforce in some developed countries and in Taiwan. Among patients with occupational hand dermatitis in northern Taiwan, workers from electronics industries were one of the most important groups. We conducted a field investigation to determine the prevalence, patterns and risk factors of occupational hand dermatoses among electronics workers. The survey was conducted in five electronics plants using a self-administered questionnaire on skin symptoms and risk factors. Skin examination and patch testing were followed for those with symptoms compatible with hand dermatitis. A total of 3070 workers completed the questionnaire. Among them, 302 (9.8%) reported to have symptoms (itching and with either redness/scaling) compatible with contact dermatitis on hands. Hand dermatitis was associated with working in the fabrication unit and personal history of atopy and metal allergy, as well as the following job titles: wafer bonding, cutting, printing/photomasking, softening/degluing, impregnation and tin plating. Among those with reported hand dermatitis, 183 completed skin examination and patch testing, 65/183 (35.5%) were diagnosed as having irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and 7/183 (3.8%) allergic contact dermatitis. The most important allergens were nickel, cobalt and phenylenediamine. In conclusion, Taiwanese electronics workers have a high risk of having hand dermatitis, especially ICD. Preventive efforts should be focused on the workers with risk factors or at certain worksites.     

Mortality among workers in an Italian cigarette factory

A cohort study was conducted to evaluate the mortality pattern among female and male workers in a cigarette factory. The study followed 972 female workers and 761 male workers with at least 6 months of cumulative employment from 1 January 1962 through 1 July 1996. Among women, mortality from all causes of death [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 0.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.8-1.1] and mortality from all malignant neoplasms (SMR = 1.1; CI = 0.9-1.3) were consistent with reference rates. Male workers had a significantly reduced overall mortality (SMR = 0.8; CI = 0.7-0.9), while mortality from all malignant neoplasms was as expected (SMR = 0.9; CI = 0.7-1.0). Among female workers the frequencies of deaths from diseases of nervous system (SMR = 2.0; CI = 1.1-3.4) and from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (SMR = 2.7; CI = 1.0-5.6) were elevated at a statistically significant level. No association between duration of employment and diseases of nervous system was observed. A higher risk for NHL, based on three deaths, was reported among female workers with 15 or more years of employment (SMR = 8.1; CI = 2.2-21.0). Although based on small numbers, the excess of NHL here reported suggests that potential exposure to foliar residues of pesticides should be thoroughly considered in tobacco manufacturing.     

武汉市某能源厂工人高血脂患病率及相关调查

高血脂是心脑血管疾病危险因素,我国高血脂患病率虽然仍低于西方工业化国家,但呈日益增高趋势,为了解高血脂发生的主要影响因素在职业人群分布情况,并为制定干预措施提供依据,本文于2005年6~7月在武汉市某能源厂全部工人中进行了高血脂患病率及其相关影响因素调查。湖北武汉430     

Prevalence of depression among electrical workers

To address the possible association between electric and magnetic field exposure and depression, we analyzed data from the Vietnam Experience Study. In order to compare the risk of diagnosed depression, depressive symptoms, and elevations in personality scales indicative of depression, we classified employed participants as electrical workers (N = 183) and nonelectrical workers (N = 3,861) and compared their scores on the Diagnostic Interview Survey (DIS) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Electrical workers in the aggregate showed little evidence of increased risk, with the possible exception of an increase in elevated MMPI depression scores among short-term workers. Data on electricians yielded indications of increased risk for several markers of depression. Despite the limited number of electrical workers, uncertainty regarding exposure, and our inability to address other workplace exposures, these results suggest that electrical workers in general are not at increased risk for depression. However, our results encourage further evaluation of depression among electricians. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Prevalence of hypertension among cadmium-exposed workers

In a retrospective study of 311 male workers in an alkaline battery factory, the relationship between exposure to cadmium oxide and hypertension has been investigated. Blood pressure measurements, taken by the same physician, were available for a 30-yr period. When age-matched groups of hypertensive and normotensive workers were compared, employment time was significantly longer (P = .0109) in the hypertensive group. This indicates a possible relationship between exposure to cadmium oxide and the development of hypertension.     

Musculoskeletal problems among workers of an Iranian rubber factory

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common health problem throughout the world and a major cause of disability among the work force. Assessment of exposure level to MSD risk factors can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomic programs in the workplace. This study was conducted among workers of an Iranian rubber factory with the objectives of (a) determination of the prevalence of MSDs among production line workers, and (b) assessment of the level of exposure to MSD risks. In this study, all 16 production units of the factory were studied. In each unit, 50% of the workers were randomly selected and included in the study. A total of 454 workers participated. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to study the prevalence of MSDs and the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) technique was applied to assess physical exposure to the risks. The videotaping technique was used to collect the required data for each worker. The vast majority of the workers (73.6%) had suffered from some kind of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was reported in the lower back (50.2%), knees (48.5%) and upper back (38.1%). In 85.5% of the workers studied, the QEC score was high or very high. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the QEC level of risk and MSDs symptoms (p<0.001). The most common ergonomics problems were found to be awkward postures and manual material handling. MSDs had occurred with a high rate among workers of this rubber factory. Corrective measures for reducing risk level seemed essential. Elimination of awkward postures and manual material handling in the workplace were recommended.     

201名在岗工人牙齿缺失情况分析

目的了解201名在岗工人牙齿缺失情况,以便采取措施更好防治工人的牙齿缺失。方法常规方法检查工人的牙齿,用FDI公式记录法记录缺失牙的牙位。结果各年龄组工人中缺失一个或两个牙者占大多数,缺失最多的牙位是36、46,其次是37、47、26,龋病引起缺牙的人数为158例,占总缺牙人数的78.6%。结论磨牙缺失较多,可引起咬合关系紊乱,咀嚼功能下降,201名工人缺牙的主要原因是龋病。因此要积极修复缺牙和防治龋病。     

火山石加工人员尘肺病发病情况调查

目的 了解火山石加工行业尘肺病发病情况,分析火山石加工与尘肺病发病关系,为制定火山石加工行业尘肺病防控策略提供依据。 方法 对腾冲县所有工商注册登记石材加工户开展火山石加工作业场所的流行病学调查,对接尘劳动者进行职业健康检查,对加工场所空气中粉尘浓度及游离二氧化硅含量进行测定,采用描述性流行病学方法对调查资料进行分析。 结果 共调查工商注册石材加工户228户,生产工人958名,粉尘作业场所游离二氧化硅含量1.14%~7.67%;石材切割岗位4个点空气中粉尘时间加权平均浓度0.01~3.10 mg/m3,平均浓度0.80 mg/m3。完成职业健康体检209户,857人,体检率89.5%,其中男性占85.65%(734/857),女性占14.35%(123/857);年龄最大74岁,最小16岁,平均37.8岁;从事石材加工最长31年,最短7 d,平均4.46年;检出尘肺壹期2人,患病率0.23%(2/857)。 结论 长期接触火山石粉尘可引发尘肺病,应加强石材加工人员尘肺病的防控。     

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among aluminium workers

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in workers in the aluminium industry, and to test the relationship with work by using the duration of employment as a measure of exposure. A total of 5654 workers (92%) answered a questionnaire. Operators, who were more exposed to physically demanding work, showed a greater incidence of MSS than did office workers. Among operators, the duration of employment was significantly correlated with MSS in nine out of ten areas of the body, when adjusted by multiple regression analyses for age, gender, height, weight, smoking and physical activity. Among office workers this relationship was weaker and was significant only for neck and lower back areas. The higher prevalence of MSS among operators and the association between their duration of employment and MSS suggests that a higher risk of MSS is related to the working environment.     

Skin problems among fiber-glass reinforced plastics factory workers in Japan

Two surveys, one in winter the other in summer time, examined the skin problems of the entire manual workers (N=148) from 11 small-to-medium sized fiber-glass reinforced plastics (FRP) factories located in Kyushu, Japan. The workers were exposed to unsaturated polyester resin, including styrene and auxiliary agents such as cobalt naphthenate, hardeners such as methyl ethyl ketone peroxides, glass fiber and dust including shortened glass fiber and plastic particles. Eighty-seven workers (58.8%) reported having skin problems (mainly itching or dermatitis) since they started to work in FRP manufacturing and 25 workers had consulted a physician because of their skin problems; one worker was forced to take sick leave because of his severe dermatitis. History of allergic diseases and shorter occupational period (duration of employment) in a FRP factory were associated with greater probability of having a history of work-related skin symptoms. Workers in factories where dust-generating and lamination sites were located in different buildings were significantly less likely to have a history of skin problems than those in factories where the two sites were located in the same building. Of the 67 workers examined in both seasons closed to double the prevalence of dermatitis was found in summer (23.3%) than winter (13.4%).