Assessment of air pollution and its effects on the health status of the workers in beam rolling mills factory (Iran National Steel Industrial Group) from Ahvaz-Iran

Rafiei, M; Gadgil, AS; Ghole, VS; Gore, SD; Jaafarzadeh, N; Mirkazemi, R

HERO ID

385302

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2009

Language

English

PMID

20165608

HERO ID 385302
In Press No
Year 2009
Title Assessment of air pollution and its effects on the health status of the workers in beam rolling mills factory (Iran National Steel Industrial Group) from Ahvaz-Iran
Authors Rafiei, M; Gadgil, AS; Ghole, VS; Gore, SD; Jaafarzadeh, N; Mirkazemi, R
Journal Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume 13
Issue 1
Page Numbers 20-22
Abstract BACKGROUND: Air pollutants of iron- and steel-making operations have historically been an environmental and health hazard. These pollutants include gaseous substances such as sulfur oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The Iran National Steel Industrial Group beam rolling mills factory has two production lines viz. line 630 and line 650, with different beam production capabilities and is capable of producing different types of beams. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study on 400 workers in different exposure levels to environmental pollution was performed during 2005 to determine the mean value of respirable particulate matter (RPM) concentrations and its effects on the health status of workers. To elicit information regarding the health status of the worker, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health standard questionnaire was used. Fisher's exact test was performed to assess the relative risk (RR) of exposure to air pollution on cardiovascular diseases, chest tightness, cough, difficulty in retention, i.e. loss of memory, tension, occupational fatigue, and occupational stress in exposed workers. RESULTS: There was significant difference in RPM pollution level between two product lines. The RR of exposure to air pollution on cardiovascular diseases, chest tightness, cough, difficulty in retention, i.e. loss of memory, tension, occupational fatigue, and occupational stress in exposed workers were 2.78, 2.44, 2.15, 1.92, 1.57, 3.90, and 2.09, respectively.
Doi 10.4103/0019-5278.50719
Pmid 20165608
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No