The study characterized the biochemical changes associated with long term exposure to pesticides. Practical parameters of pesticides were collected using 500 questionnaires. Farmers having 10 years working period were...The study characterized the biochemical changes associated with long term exposure to pesticides. Practical parameters of pesticides were collected using 500 questionnaires. Farmers having 10 years working period were invited to a private clinic for blood sampling and enzyme analysis. All participants were male farmers of different age groups, and education levels. Occupational parameters indicated that majority of farmers used manual methods for pesticide works. About 130 pesticides are currently used in Gaza. Toxicological symptoms indicated that dizziness, headache, and nausea were dominant among farmers, whereas vomiting abdominal colic and tearing were less dominant. Acetyl Cholinesterase (ACHE) cumulatively inhibited among farmers after work whereas Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities were above range after long term exposure. It can be concluded that long term exposure to pesticides may damage liver and kidney cells resulting in hepatic-toxicity and/or nephrotoxicity.展开更多
Introduction: Low back pain is nowadays a real public health problem in companies. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with chronic low back pain among workers of a mining...Introduction: Low back pain is nowadays a real public health problem in companies. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with chronic low back pain among workers of a mining company in Burkina Faso. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection that took place from August 1, 2021 to March 16, 2022 in a gold mine in Burkina Faso. It focused on mine workers who participated in the 2019 annual medical visit. Results: Out of a total workforce of 880 workers who took part in the annual medical visit in 2019, 165 had chronic common low back pain, i.e. a prevalence of 18.75%. The average age of low back pain workers was 37.21 ± 7.5 years. Among the workers suffering from low back pain, 62 (37.58%) held the position of machine operator. Clinically, mechanical pain was found in 113 low back pain workers (76%) and twenty-nine (17.58%) had radicular pain. Standard radiography of the lumbar spine was abnormal in 129 workers (78.18%. In the univariate analysis, the factors associated with the pathology were sex, level of study, work station and seniority in the position. After a logistic regression, the factors associated with its occurrence were whole-body vibration (Fisher’s test = 12.7541;P = 0.000), male sex (Fisher’s test = 8.363;P = 0.004), and seniority for 4 to 5 years (Chi2 = 4.0234;p = 0.046). Conclusion: The study reveals the existence of chronic low back pain cases among the workers of the mining company. There is a predominance of the pathology in men, workers exposed to vibrations and those with a seniority of 4 to 5 years. It is necessary to establish a policy of prevention of low back pain for the benefit of workers, in particular those exposed to vibrations.展开更多
Introduction: Violence is a major problem in today’s workplace. It affects workers in all sectors of activity. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with violence among primary a...Introduction: Violence is a major problem in today’s workplace. It affects workers in all sectors of activity. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with violence among primary and secondary school staff in Ouagadougou. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study that took place from April 22, 2020 to February 18, 2021 in primary and secondary schools in Ouagadougou. It focused on the educational staff of these establishments. Results: A total of 362 agents took part in the study. The average age of participants was 36.5 ± 6.89 years. The sex ratio was 1.62 men to one woman. The majority of workers were teachers, with 300 participants (82.87%). The average job tenure was 7 years ± 6.91 years. With regard to violence in the workplace, 87 workers were victims, representing a prevalence of 24.03%. Of these workers, 59 (67.81%) were men and 36 (41.38%) had less than six years’ experience. Acts of violence were predominantly pushing observed in 15 workers (50%), while shouting and aggressive tone dominated psychological violence and concerned 54 cases (36.24%). On univariate analysis, the factors associated with violence were age (p = 0.046) and type of establishment (p = 0.012). On multivariate analysis, only the nature of the establishment was the only factor associated with the occurrence of violence among teaching staff (OR = 2.3690, p = 0.0213). Conclusion: The prevalence of violence is high in these educational establishments. Age and type of establishment are factors associated with its occurrence. It is therefore necessary to develop an effective strategy for preventing this risk in the workplace.展开更多
Introduction: Psychological distress can affect every worker’s mental health or working ability, and specifically the healthcare workers. It is essential to prevent and treat it in order to anticipate predictable con...Introduction: Psychological distress can affect every worker’s mental health or working ability, and specifically the healthcare workers. It is essential to prevent and treat it in order to anticipate predictable consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of psychological distress among the healthcare workers in the city of Douala. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during the 1st semester of 2023 in two reference hospitals of the city of Douala. All volunteer staff from the targeted hospitals were involved. We collected data using a mixed questionnaire that included the working conditions, as of the socioprofessional and psychological characteristics of the healthcare workers. We measured the level of psychological distress using the Kessler scale. Analysis was performed using the Chi-2 test and multivariate analysis. Threshold value was & = 5%, p Results: The participation rate was 86.3%. Women (81.7%) and nurses (77.6%) predominated in the sample. The mean age was 35.38 ± 8.9 years, and individuals in their thirties accounted for 46.79% of the sample. The prevalence of psychological distress was 19.5%. The psychological distress was categorized as mild (48.72%), moderate (18.46%) or severe (32.82%). Risk factors for psychological distress included being of the catholic faith (OR = 3.6, p = 0.04), poor sleep quality (OR = 3.9, p = 0.001) and long working hours (OR = 2.2, p = 0.002). Overtime was the only protective factor identified (OR = 0.6, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Nearly 1 out of 5 healthcare workers suffered from psychological distress exacerbated by poor working and living conditions. There is an urgent need to improve their working conditions to prevent the development of more severe consequences.展开更多
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all professional sectors to varying degrees. It has forced companies to restructure, initiate and promote telework. The aim was to study the impacts of COVID-19 lockdow...Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all professional sectors to varying degrees. It has forced companies to restructure, initiate and promote telework. The aim was to study the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown on banking activities in Conakry. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study over seven months (from November 25, 2020 to June 27, 2021) and multicentric. It included thirteen of the eighteen banks of the main city of the capital Conakry (Kaloum). We analysed socio-demographic data and occupational characteristics. We paid particular attention to banking activities and medical datas. Results: During our study period, 875 workers met to our criteria, one third of whom were men. The average age was 37.93 ± 9.39 years [22 - 71]. Financial accounters were the most represented and average seniority at the job was 5.35 years. The work schedule was reduced during lockdown but an telework increased (29.8%). On the medical datas, the prevalence of COVID-19 was 20.7%;the lethality rate was 0.6% and the absentee rate 15.6%. The COVID-19 lockdown has deeply impacted the banking activities in Conakry particularly the productivity by a significant decrease in net banking income. Conclusion: Despite the continuity of activities during this pandemic, banks have experienced a reduction in their productivity resulting in a significant decrease in net banking income. These impacts of COVID-19 on the banking sector reflect its impact on the national economy.展开更多
Introduction: Without appropriately trained healthcare workers (HCWs), infection prevention and control (IPC) cannot be implemented according to set standards. Although training is crucial, authorities rarely consider...Introduction: Without appropriately trained healthcare workers (HCWs), infection prevention and control (IPC) cannot be implemented according to set standards. Although training is crucial, authorities rarely consider those working in health facilities owned by the mining. We describe the training which was conducted in North Mara in Mara region mining health facilities. Methods: This was descriptive study on the training of IPC to HCWs of mining health facilities. The training was conducted to North Mara Gold Mine Limited on April 2024. We targeted the HCWs and supporting staff working in the health facilities of the mining communities. The duration of the training was five days. The sessions started with pre-training test to evaluate what participants understood before training and followed with training itself. The training was carried out using mixed adult learning methods like: illustrated lectures, demonstrations, brainstorming, small group activities, group discussions, role plays, case studies and simulations. The training was finalized with posttest. Results: A total of ten HCWs were trained out of 13 of the facility. In that training six were males and four were females. Also, out of the ten trained three were clinicians, four nurses, one lab technician, one pharmaceutical technician, one support staff. The average score of the results of the pretest was 70.7% with a range of 16% (minimum 64% and maximum 80%) and that of the posttest was 79.8% with a range of 12% (min 74% and max 88%). Conclusions: If HCWs are well trained to comply with IPC standards and transmission-based precautions, they have the ability to deliver safe health services and protect themselves, patients, environment and the community. Training of HCWs working at the mining, therefore, can be adapted in all mines to improve the quality of mining healthcare and respond to the need to improve the safety of mining communities.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the incidence of acute atopic conjunctivitis in the port environment. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective study involving 365 worker patients from the Port of Santos and 365 patients n...Objective: To evaluate the incidence of acute atopic conjunctivitis in the port environment. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective study involving 365 worker patients from the Port of Santos and 365 patients not related with port activities (control group). All patients were seen at the same private hospital in the city of Santos. Data were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical records of each patient related to the admission exam (initial) and to any assistance due to ocular allergic symptoms (red eyes) between 2019 and 2021. The analyzed data included age, sex, port section (port workers), refraction, time of symptom onset, disease history, treatment, and clinical outcome. Data were statistically assessed by the Chi-square test. Results: All patents were male. The mean age (34 ± 12 vs 35 ± 11 years) and the prevalence of refractive errors were similar between groups. In contrast, ocular allergic symptoms were significantly higher in group of port workers (34%) compared with non-port workers (17%), p < 0.0001. Likewise, episodes related to ocular allergy were more frequent in port workers, p < 0.05. Workers with activities related to bulk handling were the most affected. Conclusions: The incidence of acute allergic conjunctivitis in port workers requires attention from health authorities. This may lead to prevention and a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease.展开更多
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the musculoskeletal system related to work. The objective of this study was to musculoskeletal disorders among SOGEAC handlers. Methodology: This was a descript...Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the musculoskeletal system related to work. The objective of this study was to musculoskeletal disorders among SOGEAC handlers. Methodology: This was a descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study over 6 months from November 2021 to April 2022. Results: We collected 110 handlers during the study. All of our population had postural constraints and were men. The average age of workers was 39.2 years. 93 handlers or 84.5% did manual handling, and 79% or 71.8% were baggage handlers. Regarding training, 88.2% or 97 handlers were trained, and 89.1% did alternating work. The standing posture was the most adopted with 89.1% followed by the kneeling position with 66.4%. 89.1% carried weights at work. 80 handlers or 73% had developed musculoskeletal disorders and the lumbar seat was found at 70%. The analysis of factors that may influence the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders did not find any statistically significant relation. Conclusion: Our study shows that musculoskeletal disorders are an occupational health problem and recommends better compliance with occupational safety and health instructions.展开更多
Background: Automobile mechanics face different occupational hazards, which can have a wide range of physical and biological impacts depending on the frequency, intensity, and length of exposure. This study looked at ...Background: Automobile mechanics face different occupational hazards, which can have a wide range of physical and biological impacts depending on the frequency, intensity, and length of exposure. This study looked at the dangers and hazards that automobile mechanics in Kugbo Mechanic village in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria faced in their jobs. Research Objectives: The specific objectives were to determine the typical occupational risks faced by Kugbo automobile mechanics, evaluate the degree and risk of related health problems and injuries among Kugbo mechanics workers, examine the application of PPE and additional safety precautions among Kugbo mechanics, and assess Kugbo automobile workers’ understanding of the consequences of operating without PPE. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted using purposeful sampling. A validated structured questionnaire was administered to 200 automobile workers at risk of exposure to hazards. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, types of risk exposure, perceptions of their vulnerability, and the use of personal protective equipment. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Statistical Packages for Social version 26. Cross tabulation was used to identify patterns and associations between variables, and the Relative importance Index method was used to determine the relative importance of adherence to PPE and other safety issues. Results: Findings show that 5.1% of the respondents had completed secondary school, 25.3% had attended a technical school, 36.9% had completed primary school, and 32.8% had no formal education. Long exposure makes automobile workers more vulnerable to illnesses attributed to their job, as 91.9% work long hours sitting and 78.3% work long hours standing. The overall mean score of 3.72 shows that most respondents did not agree that automobile workers wear PPEs and follow other safety precautions. The medical issues listed include burns on the body, depression, heart illness, severe heada展开更多
Context: Working conditions in the car repair sector are difficult in general. This leads to health risk factors for inexperienced staff. In the bodywork painting workshop, the staff seemed less interested in the risk...Context: Working conditions in the car repair sector are difficult in general. This leads to health risk factors for inexperienced staff. In the bodywork painting workshop, the staff seemed less interested in the risks probably due to negligence or by lack of knowledge. This work aimed to describe the working conditions and their impact on the workers’ health in a workshop of bodywork painting in Conakry. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study over 06 months (from July 01, 2021, to December 31, 2021). Were included the bodybuilders-painters, the painters and the bodybuilders. The data was collected during an interview. We analysed the personal data of the workers, the physical environment factors (lighting, noise, etc.) and, the clinical manifestations felt by the workers. Results: The average age was 37 years extenting from 18 to 54 years and, they were all men. Over 80% of workers were exposed to more than 1000 lux and, 78.2% of workers were exposed to the vibratory intensity level of the cordless drill > 2.5 m/s2. The most frequent symptoms were back pain, headache, itchy eyes, and numbness of fingers and hands. The analysis of working conditions and clinical manifestations showed a significant relationship between the level of illumination and the tingling eyes (p = 0.0007), the vibratory intensity of the drill and the numbness of fingers and hands (p = 0.01). This study revealed that some of the complaints cited are related to the working conditions. Conclusion: Working conditions in a bodywork paint workshop are occupational risk factors that become dangerous if they are unknown. A longitudinal study on the assessment of working conditions could better enlighten us on this phenomenon.展开更多
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring, primarily affecting areas rich in apocrine glands. Environmental and occupational risk...Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring, primarily affecting areas rich in apocrine glands. Environmental and occupational risk factors, including prolonged exposure to heat, friction, and certain chemicals, have been identified as exacerbating conditions for HS. Yet, there remains a lack of tailored recommendations for modifying work environments to alleviate these triggers. This review presents novel suggestions for work modifications to reduce HS flare-ups, such as implementing breathable, friction-reducing workwear, ergonomic adjustments to minimize pressure on affected areas, and introducing low-irritant hygiene protocols in workplaces with chemical exposure. These recommendations are grounded in emerging evidence linking specific occupational exposures to the exacerbation of HS symptoms. The novelty of this approach lies in its proactive stance, shifting from reactive management of HS symptoms to preventative environmental modifications. Future studies should explore the long-term efficacy of these modifications and investigate the potential for personalized work environment adjustments based on individual patient profiles. Targeted workplace interventions may significantly improve the quality of life for HS patients, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists, occupational health specialists, and employers.展开更多
Hypertension is a public health problem that affects both developed and developing countries. Senegal is making significant progress in the fight against this and other chronic, non-communicable diseases. Achieving bl...Hypertension is a public health problem that affects both developed and developing countries. Senegal is making significant progress in the fight against this and other chronic, non-communicable diseases. Achieving blood pressure control within three months of treatment is an important pillar of Senegal’s strategy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the achievement of blood pressure control within three months of treatment at SCL. Our results show the need to strengthen blood pressure management skills of healthcare staff.展开更多
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a real occupational health problem. Laboratory technicians appear to be among those most affected. Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with MSD...Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a real occupational health problem. Laboratory technicians appear to be among those most affected. Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among laboratory technicians in Cotonou. Study Method: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on laboratory technicians at university hospitals and area hospitals in Cotonou. It took place over a three-month period from August 10 to November 10, 2021. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 software. Frequencies were compared using the chi2 test for qualitative variables and the ANOVA test for quantitative parametric variables. The significance level was 5%. Results: A total of 156 technicians were included in the study, 83 of them male, i.e. a M/F sex ratio of 1.14. The mean age was 36.70 ± 6.69 years. The overall prevalence of MSD was 91.03%. For back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist-hand, the prevalence was 83.56%, 50.68%, 08.21%, 14.38% and 20.54% respectively. Factors associated with MSD were the non-adjustable nature of the seats (p = 0.03), job strain (p Conclusion: The prevalence of MSD is high among laboratory technicians. The study confirms the multifactorial etiology of MSDs. The preventive approach must be comprehensive, including all risk factors.展开更多
Background: The development of high-performance flighter aircraft requires better anti-G ability of aircrew. Under the influence of continuous ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration, aircrew can suffer from cardiovascular ...Background: The development of high-performance flighter aircraft requires better anti-G ability of aircrew. Under the influence of continuous ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration, aircrew can suffer from cardiovascular change or injuries, which pose a huge threat to flight safety. In recent years, some achievements have been made in the physiological research of sustained ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration, especially the research on the cardiovascular physiological mechanism of sustained ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration. This paper analyzes the research progress. Methods: Original studies of any related fields will be included in the analysis. Searching of databases and manual scanning of the reference lists of the articles found during the original search will be performed. The following data items of included studies will be abstracted for analysis: publication year, first author, country, institution, journal and research priorities. Results: 28 papers were included in this study. The annual number of publications showed an ascending tendency as a whole and reached its peak in 2014 with a total of 6 documents. The country with the most publications was China. The journals of these papers focused on different fields, including military medicine, integrative medicine, preventive medicine, space medicine, environmental medicine and pharmacology. Research priorities mainly covered cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac structure, cardiovascular function, myocardial injury and myocardial enzyme. Conclusions: This paper analyzes the progress of research in the cardiovascular compensatory response. It is expected to provide reference for subsequent exploration of the mechanism of sustained ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration and the selection of ways to protect against anti-G.展开更多
Introduction: Sleep disorders among professional drivers are a major road safety problem. They cause fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel, which can lead to road traffic accidents and even accidents at work. The aim of...Introduction: Sleep disorders among professional drivers are a major road safety problem. They cause fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel, which can lead to road traffic accidents and even accidents at work. The aim of this study was to assess sleep disorders among professional drivers of oil tankers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out from 11 April 2020 to 11 September 2020 in the national hydrocarbon company’s fuel depot. All the drivers present at the time were included and accomplished a questionnaire incorporating the commonly scales using to assess sleep disorders, sleep quality and sleep apnoea. Data analysis using R 3.6.1 software enabled to perform univariate and multivariate analyses to identify associated factors. Adjusted odd ratios were used to measure the strength of association. The significance level chosen was p ≤ 0.05. Results: All the 339 respondents were male. A proportion of 33.6% suffered from insomnia, including 12.7% with moderate to severe insomnia, and 18.58% were at risk of sleep apnoea. On the Epworth scale, 26.6% of drivers showed sleep debt and 4.1% excessive daytime sleepiness. The risk factors associated with insomnia were the use of psychostimulants. A history of diabetes and insomnia were risk factors associated with sleep apnoea syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbance and insomnia among the respondents were 52.2% and 33.6% respectively. Use of psychostimulants was the identified risk factor. The prevalence of SAS was 4.72%, with diabetes and insomnia as associated factors.展开更多
Introduction: Though common in society, caustic accidental ingestion is rare in the agricultural industry. This study describes a case of ingestion of nitric acid used as an agricultural fertilizer by an ordinary work...Introduction: Though common in society, caustic accidental ingestion is rare in the agricultural industry. This study describes a case of ingestion of nitric acid used as an agricultural fertilizer by an ordinary worker at the Société de Cultures Légumières. Clinical Case: This is a 33-year-old unschooled woman who ingested a sip of nitric acid from an abandoned labelled acid canister near a farming plot of land. She showed a burn of the oral cavity with a bleeding tablecloth and an intense retrosternal pain. The duodenal oesophagus fibroscopy screening that was carried out 18 hours after the accident, revealed an esophagitis class 2b. The tests revealed no anomalies. Fifteen (15) days after the accident, the FOGD was normal. Following an 8-month-follow up, no signs of stenosis or degeneration were noted. Conclusion: The accidental ingestion of nitric acid is rare in adult. Its treatment is mainly symptomatic and aims at preserving vital functions without directly fighting the ingested substance off. The right actions must be integrated into the 15-minute Health and Safety awarenesssessions for optimum pre-hospital management. The hospital evaluation is mandatory and is carried out thanks to the digestive endoscopy, which is still relevant in this indication, but is completed by the thoraco-abdominal CT. The latter is very sensitive the transmural necrosis diagnosis.展开更多
Background Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to asthma-causing substances in an occupational setting. Its incidence is closely related to the degree of industrial development, but also related...Background Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to asthma-causing substances in an occupational setting. Its incidence is closely related to the degree of industrial development, but also related to the nature of asthma. In some specific industries, such as workers who are exposed to asthmatic isocyanates for a long time, the incidence of occupational asthma can reach 5%-10%, and the incidence of occupational asthma can even reach 50% or higher among workers engaged in the detergent industry who are in contact with proteolytic enzymes for a long time. Objective To analyze the clinical value of early comprehensive rehabilitation nursing for patients with occupational asthma, methods a total of 48 patients with occupational asthma who were admitted from January 2020 to December 2022 were divided into control group and study group by random number table method The disappearance time of chest tightness and shortness of breath, the disappearance time of wheezing and cough, and the FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) indexes before and after treatment were compared between the two groups after nursing, the disappearance time of clinical symptoms in the study group was shorter than that in the control group, and the levels of FEV1, FVC and PEF were higher than those in the control group, and the P < 0.05 was significantly improved.展开更多
Objective: To analyze the effect of psychological nursing combined with breathing exercises on lung function of patients with pneumoconiosis, and to analyze the methods. A total of 64 cases of pneumoconiosis admitted ...Objective: To analyze the effect of psychological nursing combined with breathing exercises on lung function of patients with pneumoconiosis, and to analyze the methods. A total of 64 cases of pneumoconiosis admitted from January 2020 to December 2022 were divided into the reference group and the experimental group by random numerical table. On the basis of symptomatic treatment, the control group was combined with conventional nursing measures and breathing exercises, while the experimental group was treated with psychological nursing on the basis of the control group, and the pulmonary function indexes and adverse mood of the two groups before and after nursing were compared. Results: There was no difference in SAS score, SDS score and pulmonary function indexes between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05), and the SAS score in the experimental group was the SDS score was lower than that of the control group, and FEV1, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC were higher than those of the control group, and the P < 0.05 was lower.展开更多
Introduction: Work environments create the basis for arduous nursing work. This is what led us to research the factors of arduousness in the exercise of the health profession in North Benin, through this study. Method...Introduction: Work environments create the basis for arduous nursing work. This is what led us to research the factors of arduousness in the exercise of the health profession in North Benin, through this study. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study which focused on health professionals in the health zones of Parakou-N’dali and Tchaourou. The sampling was an exhaustive census. All health workers who had given their free and informed consent were included. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The variables studied were the factors of arduous work and socio-professional characteristics. The data collected was processed and analyzed with the Epi info 7.2.0.1 software. Results: A total of 692 were surveyed, the participation rate was 85.11% and the sex ratio (M/F) equal to 0.7. The average age was 38 years old. Nurses made up 32.66% of the sample. They were 86.42% subject to night work and 82.66% to alternating work. Overall, 70.23% worked more than 40 hours per week. Between 78.12% and 96.46% of non-specialist doctors, nurses, midwives and biomedical analysis technicians were required to work night shifts. Nurses, midwives, radiology and laboratory technicians were between 89.53% and 97.35%, organized in alternating work. In the sample, 55.20% complained about the insufficient number of work materials, 26.29% handled harmful chemical substances. Among those surveyed, 58.14% had been attacked. Conclusion: All professional categories of caregivers are subject to arduous work. Measures are needed to reverse the situation.展开更多
We have previously evaluated asbestos exposure associated with various maintenance procedures on light aircraft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate asbestos exposure during engine maintenance on light aircraft....We have previously evaluated asbestos exposure associated with various maintenance procedures on light aircraft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate asbestos exposure during engine maintenance on light aircraft. This test was designed to evaluate the potential for asbestos exposure to mechanics and others who remove asbestos-containing engine gaskets from reciprocating style aircraft engines. Utilized in this test was an air cooled, horizontally opposed, aviation gasoline burning engine, assembled during 1986 and operated intermittently up into 2015, having accumulated 1680 hours run time. Nearly 75% of the asbestos-containing gaskets installed during 1986 were still in place at the time of testing. Chrysotile asbestos contents of such gaskets ranged from 55% to 60% by area, for those of sheet style and 5% by area, for the spiral wound metal/asbestos style. Despite the levels of effort required to effect gasket removals, the professional aircraft mechanic was not exposed to airborne asbestos fibers at the lower limits of sampling and analytical detection achieved;all of which were substantially less than the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limits for asbestos. The results of this testing indicate an absence of gasket related asbestos exposure risk to mechanics who work with light aircraft engines, including those having asbestos-containing gaskets. These results are consistent with the findings of Mlyarek and Van Orden who studied the asbestos exposure risk occasioned during overhaul of larger radial style reciprocating aircraft engines [1].展开更多
文摘The study characterized the biochemical changes associated with long term exposure to pesticides. Practical parameters of pesticides were collected using 500 questionnaires. Farmers having 10 years working period were invited to a private clinic for blood sampling and enzyme analysis. All participants were male farmers of different age groups, and education levels. Occupational parameters indicated that majority of farmers used manual methods for pesticide works. About 130 pesticides are currently used in Gaza. Toxicological symptoms indicated that dizziness, headache, and nausea were dominant among farmers, whereas vomiting abdominal colic and tearing were less dominant. Acetyl Cholinesterase (ACHE) cumulatively inhibited among farmers after work whereas Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities were above range after long term exposure. It can be concluded that long term exposure to pesticides may damage liver and kidney cells resulting in hepatic-toxicity and/or nephrotoxicity.
文摘Introduction: Low back pain is nowadays a real public health problem in companies. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with chronic low back pain among workers of a mining company in Burkina Faso. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection that took place from August 1, 2021 to March 16, 2022 in a gold mine in Burkina Faso. It focused on mine workers who participated in the 2019 annual medical visit. Results: Out of a total workforce of 880 workers who took part in the annual medical visit in 2019, 165 had chronic common low back pain, i.e. a prevalence of 18.75%. The average age of low back pain workers was 37.21 ± 7.5 years. Among the workers suffering from low back pain, 62 (37.58%) held the position of machine operator. Clinically, mechanical pain was found in 113 low back pain workers (76%) and twenty-nine (17.58%) had radicular pain. Standard radiography of the lumbar spine was abnormal in 129 workers (78.18%. In the univariate analysis, the factors associated with the pathology were sex, level of study, work station and seniority in the position. After a logistic regression, the factors associated with its occurrence were whole-body vibration (Fisher’s test = 12.7541;P = 0.000), male sex (Fisher’s test = 8.363;P = 0.004), and seniority for 4 to 5 years (Chi2 = 4.0234;p = 0.046). Conclusion: The study reveals the existence of chronic low back pain cases among the workers of the mining company. There is a predominance of the pathology in men, workers exposed to vibrations and those with a seniority of 4 to 5 years. It is necessary to establish a policy of prevention of low back pain for the benefit of workers, in particular those exposed to vibrations.
文摘Introduction: Violence is a major problem in today’s workplace. It affects workers in all sectors of activity. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with violence among primary and secondary school staff in Ouagadougou. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study that took place from April 22, 2020 to February 18, 2021 in primary and secondary schools in Ouagadougou. It focused on the educational staff of these establishments. Results: A total of 362 agents took part in the study. The average age of participants was 36.5 ± 6.89 years. The sex ratio was 1.62 men to one woman. The majority of workers were teachers, with 300 participants (82.87%). The average job tenure was 7 years ± 6.91 years. With regard to violence in the workplace, 87 workers were victims, representing a prevalence of 24.03%. Of these workers, 59 (67.81%) were men and 36 (41.38%) had less than six years’ experience. Acts of violence were predominantly pushing observed in 15 workers (50%), while shouting and aggressive tone dominated psychological violence and concerned 54 cases (36.24%). On univariate analysis, the factors associated with violence were age (p = 0.046) and type of establishment (p = 0.012). On multivariate analysis, only the nature of the establishment was the only factor associated with the occurrence of violence among teaching staff (OR = 2.3690, p = 0.0213). Conclusion: The prevalence of violence is high in these educational establishments. Age and type of establishment are factors associated with its occurrence. It is therefore necessary to develop an effective strategy for preventing this risk in the workplace.
文摘Introduction: Psychological distress can affect every worker’s mental health or working ability, and specifically the healthcare workers. It is essential to prevent and treat it in order to anticipate predictable consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of psychological distress among the healthcare workers in the city of Douala. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during the 1st semester of 2023 in two reference hospitals of the city of Douala. All volunteer staff from the targeted hospitals were involved. We collected data using a mixed questionnaire that included the working conditions, as of the socioprofessional and psychological characteristics of the healthcare workers. We measured the level of psychological distress using the Kessler scale. Analysis was performed using the Chi-2 test and multivariate analysis. Threshold value was & = 5%, p Results: The participation rate was 86.3%. Women (81.7%) and nurses (77.6%) predominated in the sample. The mean age was 35.38 ± 8.9 years, and individuals in their thirties accounted for 46.79% of the sample. The prevalence of psychological distress was 19.5%. The psychological distress was categorized as mild (48.72%), moderate (18.46%) or severe (32.82%). Risk factors for psychological distress included being of the catholic faith (OR = 3.6, p = 0.04), poor sleep quality (OR = 3.9, p = 0.001) and long working hours (OR = 2.2, p = 0.002). Overtime was the only protective factor identified (OR = 0.6, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Nearly 1 out of 5 healthcare workers suffered from psychological distress exacerbated by poor working and living conditions. There is an urgent need to improve their working conditions to prevent the development of more severe consequences.
文摘Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all professional sectors to varying degrees. It has forced companies to restructure, initiate and promote telework. The aim was to study the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown on banking activities in Conakry. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study over seven months (from November 25, 2020 to June 27, 2021) and multicentric. It included thirteen of the eighteen banks of the main city of the capital Conakry (Kaloum). We analysed socio-demographic data and occupational characteristics. We paid particular attention to banking activities and medical datas. Results: During our study period, 875 workers met to our criteria, one third of whom were men. The average age was 37.93 ± 9.39 years [22 - 71]. Financial accounters were the most represented and average seniority at the job was 5.35 years. The work schedule was reduced during lockdown but an telework increased (29.8%). On the medical datas, the prevalence of COVID-19 was 20.7%;the lethality rate was 0.6% and the absentee rate 15.6%. The COVID-19 lockdown has deeply impacted the banking activities in Conakry particularly the productivity by a significant decrease in net banking income. Conclusion: Despite the continuity of activities during this pandemic, banks have experienced a reduction in their productivity resulting in a significant decrease in net banking income. These impacts of COVID-19 on the banking sector reflect its impact on the national economy.
文摘Introduction: Without appropriately trained healthcare workers (HCWs), infection prevention and control (IPC) cannot be implemented according to set standards. Although training is crucial, authorities rarely consider those working in health facilities owned by the mining. We describe the training which was conducted in North Mara in Mara region mining health facilities. Methods: This was descriptive study on the training of IPC to HCWs of mining health facilities. The training was conducted to North Mara Gold Mine Limited on April 2024. We targeted the HCWs and supporting staff working in the health facilities of the mining communities. The duration of the training was five days. The sessions started with pre-training test to evaluate what participants understood before training and followed with training itself. The training was carried out using mixed adult learning methods like: illustrated lectures, demonstrations, brainstorming, small group activities, group discussions, role plays, case studies and simulations. The training was finalized with posttest. Results: A total of ten HCWs were trained out of 13 of the facility. In that training six were males and four were females. Also, out of the ten trained three were clinicians, four nurses, one lab technician, one pharmaceutical technician, one support staff. The average score of the results of the pretest was 70.7% with a range of 16% (minimum 64% and maximum 80%) and that of the posttest was 79.8% with a range of 12% (min 74% and max 88%). Conclusions: If HCWs are well trained to comply with IPC standards and transmission-based precautions, they have the ability to deliver safe health services and protect themselves, patients, environment and the community. Training of HCWs working at the mining, therefore, can be adapted in all mines to improve the quality of mining healthcare and respond to the need to improve the safety of mining communities.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the incidence of acute atopic conjunctivitis in the port environment. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective study involving 365 worker patients from the Port of Santos and 365 patients not related with port activities (control group). All patients were seen at the same private hospital in the city of Santos. Data were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical records of each patient related to the admission exam (initial) and to any assistance due to ocular allergic symptoms (red eyes) between 2019 and 2021. The analyzed data included age, sex, port section (port workers), refraction, time of symptom onset, disease history, treatment, and clinical outcome. Data were statistically assessed by the Chi-square test. Results: All patents were male. The mean age (34 ± 12 vs 35 ± 11 years) and the prevalence of refractive errors were similar between groups. In contrast, ocular allergic symptoms were significantly higher in group of port workers (34%) compared with non-port workers (17%), p < 0.0001. Likewise, episodes related to ocular allergy were more frequent in port workers, p < 0.05. Workers with activities related to bulk handling were the most affected. Conclusions: The incidence of acute allergic conjunctivitis in port workers requires attention from health authorities. This may lead to prevention and a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease.
文摘Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the musculoskeletal system related to work. The objective of this study was to musculoskeletal disorders among SOGEAC handlers. Methodology: This was a descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study over 6 months from November 2021 to April 2022. Results: We collected 110 handlers during the study. All of our population had postural constraints and were men. The average age of workers was 39.2 years. 93 handlers or 84.5% did manual handling, and 79% or 71.8% were baggage handlers. Regarding training, 88.2% or 97 handlers were trained, and 89.1% did alternating work. The standing posture was the most adopted with 89.1% followed by the kneeling position with 66.4%. 89.1% carried weights at work. 80 handlers or 73% had developed musculoskeletal disorders and the lumbar seat was found at 70%. The analysis of factors that may influence the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders did not find any statistically significant relation. Conclusion: Our study shows that musculoskeletal disorders are an occupational health problem and recommends better compliance with occupational safety and health instructions.
文摘Background: Automobile mechanics face different occupational hazards, which can have a wide range of physical and biological impacts depending on the frequency, intensity, and length of exposure. This study looked at the dangers and hazards that automobile mechanics in Kugbo Mechanic village in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria faced in their jobs. Research Objectives: The specific objectives were to determine the typical occupational risks faced by Kugbo automobile mechanics, evaluate the degree and risk of related health problems and injuries among Kugbo mechanics workers, examine the application of PPE and additional safety precautions among Kugbo mechanics, and assess Kugbo automobile workers’ understanding of the consequences of operating without PPE. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted using purposeful sampling. A validated structured questionnaire was administered to 200 automobile workers at risk of exposure to hazards. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, types of risk exposure, perceptions of their vulnerability, and the use of personal protective equipment. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Statistical Packages for Social version 26. Cross tabulation was used to identify patterns and associations between variables, and the Relative importance Index method was used to determine the relative importance of adherence to PPE and other safety issues. Results: Findings show that 5.1% of the respondents had completed secondary school, 25.3% had attended a technical school, 36.9% had completed primary school, and 32.8% had no formal education. Long exposure makes automobile workers more vulnerable to illnesses attributed to their job, as 91.9% work long hours sitting and 78.3% work long hours standing. The overall mean score of 3.72 shows that most respondents did not agree that automobile workers wear PPEs and follow other safety precautions. The medical issues listed include burns on the body, depression, heart illness, severe heada
文摘Context: Working conditions in the car repair sector are difficult in general. This leads to health risk factors for inexperienced staff. In the bodywork painting workshop, the staff seemed less interested in the risks probably due to negligence or by lack of knowledge. This work aimed to describe the working conditions and their impact on the workers’ health in a workshop of bodywork painting in Conakry. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study over 06 months (from July 01, 2021, to December 31, 2021). Were included the bodybuilders-painters, the painters and the bodybuilders. The data was collected during an interview. We analysed the personal data of the workers, the physical environment factors (lighting, noise, etc.) and, the clinical manifestations felt by the workers. Results: The average age was 37 years extenting from 18 to 54 years and, they were all men. Over 80% of workers were exposed to more than 1000 lux and, 78.2% of workers were exposed to the vibratory intensity level of the cordless drill > 2.5 m/s2. The most frequent symptoms were back pain, headache, itchy eyes, and numbness of fingers and hands. The analysis of working conditions and clinical manifestations showed a significant relationship between the level of illumination and the tingling eyes (p = 0.0007), the vibratory intensity of the drill and the numbness of fingers and hands (p = 0.01). This study revealed that some of the complaints cited are related to the working conditions. Conclusion: Working conditions in a bodywork paint workshop are occupational risk factors that become dangerous if they are unknown. A longitudinal study on the assessment of working conditions could better enlighten us on this phenomenon.
文摘Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring, primarily affecting areas rich in apocrine glands. Environmental and occupational risk factors, including prolonged exposure to heat, friction, and certain chemicals, have been identified as exacerbating conditions for HS. Yet, there remains a lack of tailored recommendations for modifying work environments to alleviate these triggers. This review presents novel suggestions for work modifications to reduce HS flare-ups, such as implementing breathable, friction-reducing workwear, ergonomic adjustments to minimize pressure on affected areas, and introducing low-irritant hygiene protocols in workplaces with chemical exposure. These recommendations are grounded in emerging evidence linking specific occupational exposures to the exacerbation of HS symptoms. The novelty of this approach lies in its proactive stance, shifting from reactive management of HS symptoms to preventative environmental modifications. Future studies should explore the long-term efficacy of these modifications and investigate the potential for personalized work environment adjustments based on individual patient profiles. Targeted workplace interventions may significantly improve the quality of life for HS patients, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists, occupational health specialists, and employers.
文摘Hypertension is a public health problem that affects both developed and developing countries. Senegal is making significant progress in the fight against this and other chronic, non-communicable diseases. Achieving blood pressure control within three months of treatment is an important pillar of Senegal’s strategy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the achievement of blood pressure control within three months of treatment at SCL. Our results show the need to strengthen blood pressure management skills of healthcare staff.
文摘Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a real occupational health problem. Laboratory technicians appear to be among those most affected. Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among laboratory technicians in Cotonou. Study Method: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on laboratory technicians at university hospitals and area hospitals in Cotonou. It took place over a three-month period from August 10 to November 10, 2021. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 software. Frequencies were compared using the chi2 test for qualitative variables and the ANOVA test for quantitative parametric variables. The significance level was 5%. Results: A total of 156 technicians were included in the study, 83 of them male, i.e. a M/F sex ratio of 1.14. The mean age was 36.70 ± 6.69 years. The overall prevalence of MSD was 91.03%. For back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist-hand, the prevalence was 83.56%, 50.68%, 08.21%, 14.38% and 20.54% respectively. Factors associated with MSD were the non-adjustable nature of the seats (p = 0.03), job strain (p Conclusion: The prevalence of MSD is high among laboratory technicians. The study confirms the multifactorial etiology of MSDs. The preventive approach must be comprehensive, including all risk factors.
文摘Background: The development of high-performance flighter aircraft requires better anti-G ability of aircrew. Under the influence of continuous ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration, aircrew can suffer from cardiovascular change or injuries, which pose a huge threat to flight safety. In recent years, some achievements have been made in the physiological research of sustained ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration, especially the research on the cardiovascular physiological mechanism of sustained ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration. This paper analyzes the research progress. Methods: Original studies of any related fields will be included in the analysis. Searching of databases and manual scanning of the reference lists of the articles found during the original search will be performed. The following data items of included studies will be abstracted for analysis: publication year, first author, country, institution, journal and research priorities. Results: 28 papers were included in this study. The annual number of publications showed an ascending tendency as a whole and reached its peak in 2014 with a total of 6 documents. The country with the most publications was China. The journals of these papers focused on different fields, including military medicine, integrative medicine, preventive medicine, space medicine, environmental medicine and pharmacology. Research priorities mainly covered cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac structure, cardiovascular function, myocardial injury and myocardial enzyme. Conclusions: This paper analyzes the progress of research in the cardiovascular compensatory response. It is expected to provide reference for subsequent exploration of the mechanism of sustained ±Gz or ±Gx acceleration and the selection of ways to protect against anti-G.
文摘Introduction: Sleep disorders among professional drivers are a major road safety problem. They cause fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel, which can lead to road traffic accidents and even accidents at work. The aim of this study was to assess sleep disorders among professional drivers of oil tankers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out from 11 April 2020 to 11 September 2020 in the national hydrocarbon company’s fuel depot. All the drivers present at the time were included and accomplished a questionnaire incorporating the commonly scales using to assess sleep disorders, sleep quality and sleep apnoea. Data analysis using R 3.6.1 software enabled to perform univariate and multivariate analyses to identify associated factors. Adjusted odd ratios were used to measure the strength of association. The significance level chosen was p ≤ 0.05. Results: All the 339 respondents were male. A proportion of 33.6% suffered from insomnia, including 12.7% with moderate to severe insomnia, and 18.58% were at risk of sleep apnoea. On the Epworth scale, 26.6% of drivers showed sleep debt and 4.1% excessive daytime sleepiness. The risk factors associated with insomnia were the use of psychostimulants. A history of diabetes and insomnia were risk factors associated with sleep apnoea syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbance and insomnia among the respondents were 52.2% and 33.6% respectively. Use of psychostimulants was the identified risk factor. The prevalence of SAS was 4.72%, with diabetes and insomnia as associated factors.
文摘Introduction: Though common in society, caustic accidental ingestion is rare in the agricultural industry. This study describes a case of ingestion of nitric acid used as an agricultural fertilizer by an ordinary worker at the Société de Cultures Légumières. Clinical Case: This is a 33-year-old unschooled woman who ingested a sip of nitric acid from an abandoned labelled acid canister near a farming plot of land. She showed a burn of the oral cavity with a bleeding tablecloth and an intense retrosternal pain. The duodenal oesophagus fibroscopy screening that was carried out 18 hours after the accident, revealed an esophagitis class 2b. The tests revealed no anomalies. Fifteen (15) days after the accident, the FOGD was normal. Following an 8-month-follow up, no signs of stenosis or degeneration were noted. Conclusion: The accidental ingestion of nitric acid is rare in adult. Its treatment is mainly symptomatic and aims at preserving vital functions without directly fighting the ingested substance off. The right actions must be integrated into the 15-minute Health and Safety awarenesssessions for optimum pre-hospital management. The hospital evaluation is mandatory and is carried out thanks to the digestive endoscopy, which is still relevant in this indication, but is completed by the thoraco-abdominal CT. The latter is very sensitive the transmural necrosis diagnosis.
文摘Background Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to asthma-causing substances in an occupational setting. Its incidence is closely related to the degree of industrial development, but also related to the nature of asthma. In some specific industries, such as workers who are exposed to asthmatic isocyanates for a long time, the incidence of occupational asthma can reach 5%-10%, and the incidence of occupational asthma can even reach 50% or higher among workers engaged in the detergent industry who are in contact with proteolytic enzymes for a long time. Objective To analyze the clinical value of early comprehensive rehabilitation nursing for patients with occupational asthma, methods a total of 48 patients with occupational asthma who were admitted from January 2020 to December 2022 were divided into control group and study group by random number table method The disappearance time of chest tightness and shortness of breath, the disappearance time of wheezing and cough, and the FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) indexes before and after treatment were compared between the two groups after nursing, the disappearance time of clinical symptoms in the study group was shorter than that in the control group, and the levels of FEV1, FVC and PEF were higher than those in the control group, and the P < 0.05 was significantly improved.
文摘Objective: To analyze the effect of psychological nursing combined with breathing exercises on lung function of patients with pneumoconiosis, and to analyze the methods. A total of 64 cases of pneumoconiosis admitted from January 2020 to December 2022 were divided into the reference group and the experimental group by random numerical table. On the basis of symptomatic treatment, the control group was combined with conventional nursing measures and breathing exercises, while the experimental group was treated with psychological nursing on the basis of the control group, and the pulmonary function indexes and adverse mood of the two groups before and after nursing were compared. Results: There was no difference in SAS score, SDS score and pulmonary function indexes between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05), and the SAS score in the experimental group was the SDS score was lower than that of the control group, and FEV1, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC were higher than those of the control group, and the P < 0.05 was lower.
文摘Introduction: Work environments create the basis for arduous nursing work. This is what led us to research the factors of arduousness in the exercise of the health profession in North Benin, through this study. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study which focused on health professionals in the health zones of Parakou-N’dali and Tchaourou. The sampling was an exhaustive census. All health workers who had given their free and informed consent were included. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The variables studied were the factors of arduous work and socio-professional characteristics. The data collected was processed and analyzed with the Epi info 7.2.0.1 software. Results: A total of 692 were surveyed, the participation rate was 85.11% and the sex ratio (M/F) equal to 0.7. The average age was 38 years old. Nurses made up 32.66% of the sample. They were 86.42% subject to night work and 82.66% to alternating work. Overall, 70.23% worked more than 40 hours per week. Between 78.12% and 96.46% of non-specialist doctors, nurses, midwives and biomedical analysis technicians were required to work night shifts. Nurses, midwives, radiology and laboratory technicians were between 89.53% and 97.35%, organized in alternating work. In the sample, 55.20% complained about the insufficient number of work materials, 26.29% handled harmful chemical substances. Among those surveyed, 58.14% had been attacked. Conclusion: All professional categories of caregivers are subject to arduous work. Measures are needed to reverse the situation.
文摘We have previously evaluated asbestos exposure associated with various maintenance procedures on light aircraft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate asbestos exposure during engine maintenance on light aircraft. This test was designed to evaluate the potential for asbestos exposure to mechanics and others who remove asbestos-containing engine gaskets from reciprocating style aircraft engines. Utilized in this test was an air cooled, horizontally opposed, aviation gasoline burning engine, assembled during 1986 and operated intermittently up into 2015, having accumulated 1680 hours run time. Nearly 75% of the asbestos-containing gaskets installed during 1986 were still in place at the time of testing. Chrysotile asbestos contents of such gaskets ranged from 55% to 60% by area, for those of sheet style and 5% by area, for the spiral wound metal/asbestos style. Despite the levels of effort required to effect gasket removals, the professional aircraft mechanic was not exposed to airborne asbestos fibers at the lower limits of sampling and analytical detection achieved;all of which were substantially less than the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limits for asbestos. The results of this testing indicate an absence of gasket related asbestos exposure risk to mechanics who work with light aircraft engines, including those having asbestos-containing gaskets. These results are consistent with the findings of Mlyarek and Van Orden who studied the asbestos exposure risk occasioned during overhaul of larger radial style reciprocating aircraft engines [1].
