1,720,965 research outputs found
Prevalence of Acute Symptoms among Workers in Printing Factories
No full textObjective. To identify socioeconomic situation factors and behavioral factors associated with the prevalence of acute symptoms among 150 printing workers in 16 printing factories in Southern Thailand. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 150 printing workers in 16 printing factories in Southern Thailand. Results. Acute symptoms comprised dizziness, drowsiness, eye irritation, light-headedness, rhinitis, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, nausea/vomiting, exacerbation of asthma, allergic skin reaction, and visual disorder. The prevalence of symptoms was consistently higher among workers in the printing process than among other workers. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol were not associated with an increased prevalence of acute symptoms among these printing-factory workers. Conclusion. The significant associations were found between personal protective equipment and personal hygiene and prevalence of acute symptoms in printing workers
Urinary Mercury Levels Among Workers in E-waste Shops in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
Get PDFObjectives To determine urinary mercury levels in e-waste workers in Southern Thailand and the airborne mercury levels in the e-waste shops where they worked, to describe the associations between urinary and airborne mercury levels, and to evaluate the prevalence of mercury exposure-related health effects among e-waste workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 79 workers in 25 e-waste shops who lived in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. Information on general and occupational characteristics, personal protective equipment use, and personal hygiene was collected by questionnaire. Urine samples were collected to determine mercury levels using a cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometer mercury analyzer. Results The e-waste workers’ urinary mercury levels were 11.60±5.23 μg/g creatinine (range, 2.00 to 26.00 μg/g creatinine) and the mean airborne mercury levels were 17.00±0.50 μg/m3 (range, 3.00 to 29.00 μg/m3). The urinary and airborne mercury levels were significantly correlated (r=0.552, p<0.001). The prevalence of self-reported symptoms was 46.8% for insomnia, 36.7% for muscle atrophy, 24.1% for weakness, and 20.3% for headaches. Conclusions Personal hygiene was found to be an important protective factor, and should therefore be stressed in educational programs. Employers should implement engineering measures to reduce urinary mercury levels and the prevalence of associated health symptoms among e-waste workers
Heavy Metals Exposure and Hygienic Behaviors of Workers in Sanitary Landfill Areas in Southern Thailand
Get PDFObjectives. The main objective of this study was to assess the cadmium and lead exposure levels in subject workers that work in sanitary landfill areas in southern Thailand. The study evaluated the blood cadmium and lead levels in terms of their possible role in worker contamination and transfer of cadmium and lead to the body. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 subjects. Whole blood samples were collected to determine cadmium and lead levels by graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometer chromium analyzer. Results and Discussion. The mean blood cadmium levels and blood lead levels of subjects workers were 2.95±0.58 μg/L (range 1.58–7.03 μg/L) and 8.58±2.58 μg/dL (range 1.98–11.12 μg/dL), respectively. Gender, income, smoked cigarettes, work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene were significantly associated with blood cadmium level and blood lead levels (p<0.001 and p<0.001). A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of blood cadmium levels and blood lead levels included smoked cigarettes, hours worked per day, days worked per week, duration of work (years), work position, use of PPE (mask and gloves), and personal hygiene behavior (ate snacks or drank water at work and washed hands before lunch). Conclusion. The elevated body burden of toxic metals in the solid waste exposure of subject workers is an indication of occupational metal toxicity associated with personal hygiene practices
Chromium Exposure and Hygienic Behaviors in Printing Workers in Southern Thailand
Get PDFObjectives. The main objective of this study was to assess the chromium exposure levels in printing workers. The study evaluated the airborne, serum, and urinary chromium levels and determines any correlation between level of chromium in specimen and airborne chromium levels. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 75 exposed and 75 matched nonexposed subjects. Air breathing zone was measured by furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum and urine samples were collected to determine chromium levels by graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometer chromium analyzer. Results and Discussion. The printing workers’ urinary chromium levels (6.86±1.93 μg/g creatinine) and serum chromium levels (1.24±1.13 μg/L) were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.001). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene were significantly associated with urinary chromium level and serum chromium levels (p<0.001 and p<0.001). This study found a correlation between airborne chromium levels and urinary chromium levels (r=0.247, p=0.032). A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary and serum chromium levels were shown in this study. Conclusion. Improvements in working conditions, occupational health training, and PPE use are recommended to reduce chromium exposure
Hippuric Acid Levels in Paint Workers at Steel Furniture Manufacturers in Thailand
No full textAbstractBackgroundThe aims of this study were to determine hippuric acid levels in urine samples, airborne toluene levels, acute and chronic neurological symptoms, and to describe any correlation between urinary hippuric acid and airborne toluene.MethodsThe hippuric acid concentration in the urine of 87 paint workers exposed to toluene at work (exposed group), and 87 nonexposed people (control group) was studied. Study participants were selected from similar factories in the same region. Urine samples were collected at the end of a shift and analyzed for hippuric acid by high performance liquid chromatography. Air samples for the estimation of toluene exposure were collected with diffusive personal samplers and the toluene quantified using gas–liquid chromatography. The two groups were also interviewed and observed about their work practices and health.ResultsThe median of the 87 airborne toluene levels was 55 ppm (range, 12–198 ppm). The median urinary hippuric acid level was 800 mg/g creatinine (range, 90–2547 mg/g creatinine). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between airborne toluene exposure and urine hippuric acid levels (r = 0.548, p < 0.01). Workers with acute symptoms had significantly higher hippuric acid levels than those who did not (p < 0.05). It was concluded that there was a significant correlation between toluene exposure, hippuric acid levels, and health (p < 0.001).ConclusionThere appears to be a significant correlation between workers exposure to toluene at work, their urine hippuric acid levels, and resulting symptoms of poor health. Improvements in working conditions and occupational health education are required at these workplaces. There was good correlation between urinary hippuric acid and airborne toluene levels
Mercury Exposure among Garbage Workers in Southern Thailand
No full textObjectives: 1) To determine mercury levels in urine samples from garbage workers in Southern Thailand, and 2) to describe the association between work characteristics, work positions, behavioral factors, and acute symptoms; and levels of mercury in urine samples.Methods: A case-control study was conducted by interviewing 60 workers in 5 hazardous-waste-management factories, and 60 matched non-exposed persons living in the same area of Southern Thailand. Urine samples were collected to determine mercury levels by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometer mercury analyzer.Results: The hazardous-waste workers’ urinary mercury levels (10.07 μg/g creatinine) were significantly higher than the control group (1.33 μg/g creatinine) (p < 0.001). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene, were significantly associated with urinary mercury level (p < 0.001). The workers developed acute symptoms - of headaches, nausea, chest tightness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness at least once a week - and those who developed symptoms had significantly higher urinary mercury levels than those who did not, at p < 0.05. A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary mercury levels included hours worked per day, days worked per week, duration of work (years), work position, use of PPE (mask, trousers, and gloves), and personal hygiene behavior (ate snacks or drank water at work, washed hands before lunch, and washed hands after work).Conclusion: Changing garbage workers’ hygiene habits can reduce urinary mercury levels. Personal hygiene is important, and should be stressed in education programs. Employers should institute engineering controls to reduce urinary mercury levels among garbage workers
Air quality and adverse health effects of personnel exposed to airborne contaminants at Child Development Centres, Phatthalung Province, Thailand
Get PDFBackground: Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical factor influencing public health, especially in environments inhabited by vulnerable populations such as young children. Child Development Centres (CDCs) are particularly at risk of harboring airborne biological contaminants such as bacteria and fungi, which are affected by environmental variables including temperature and humidity. These contaminants can contribute to respiratory issues and other health complications.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the levels of indoor temperature and relative humidity, evaluate bacterial and fungal concentrations, examine perceived health risks, and analyze the association between environmental parameters and microbial load in CDCs in Phatthalung Province, Thailand.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 20 CDCs from 1 to 27 February 2022, involving 59 staff members. Microbial air sampling was performed using settle plates based on gravitational sedimentation. Temperature and humidity were recorded at 8:30–9:30 AM and 2:30–3:30 PM. A structured questionnaire was used to assess health risk perceptions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics (p < 0.05).
Results: Average temperatures were 24.51 ± 0.59°C and 25.03 ± 0.63°C, while relative humidity levels were 56.40 ± 5.08% and 56.30 ± 5.08%, respectively. Microbial loads met acceptable standards, yet significant differences were observed based on ventilation, cleaning frequency, number of children, and time of sampling. Over half of respondents recognized health risks from poor IAQ.
Conclusion: While microbial concentrations were within acceptable limits, regular monitoring and effective ventilation systems remain essential to minimize potential health risks in CDCs.
Keywords: bacteria; fungi; indoor air quality; perceived health risks; childcare centre
Assessment of Lead Levels in some Children's Plastic Toys
No full textAbstract The objectives of this study were to determine total lead concentrations, and assess potential health risks, in children's plastic toys. A survey study was collected by obtaining 100 children's plastic toys from the three metropolitan cities (Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Phattalung Province, and Songkla Province).Children's plastic toys were collected to determine lead concentration by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Of the 100 children's plastic toys samples, 13 contained > 600 parts per million (ppm) of lead, the maximum level of concern for the US CPSC. The average lead level in the samples as 287.93± 721.02 ppm (range 3.01-4486.11 ppm). Among seven colors, pink products had higher lead levels (average 731.63± 1375.16 ppm, range 3.82-4486.11 ppm) than products of other colors. Price was not signifi cantly associated with lead level (r=0.167, p=0.096). Forty samples had hazard quotients of 1.0 (low hazard level). Therefore, lead contamination in children's plastic toys should be investigated regularly. Education of parents would help them realize the toxicity of lead, and encourage them to make more strenuous efforts to protect their children
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Dental Health Workers, Southern Thailand
No full textObjectives. The objective of this study was to describe the socioeconomic situation of dental health work and work characteristics and to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among dental health workers. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 dental health workers and 124 persons in the reference group, matched to dental health workers by gender, were recruited from the workers who worked at the same 17 community hospitals in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand. Information was collected by using questionnaire. Data analysis comprised descriptive and analytical components. Results and Discussion. 75.8% were female and 24.2% were male dental health workers. 91.9% of subjects had worked >5 years. Most subjects worked for >8 hours per day and worked >6 days per week, at 63.7% and 53.2%, respectively. 100% of subjects worked in public institutions, and 68% also worked in both public and private institutions. Most subjects (52.4%) did not exercise. Daily activity, gender, duration of work, hours worked per day, days worked per week, and physical activity were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms at <0.001. Conclusion. The prevention and reduction of MSDs among dentists should include improving their education in dental ergonomics
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