Noise in the world is becoming a growing environmental health problem specially with development of industry, urbanization, high population density and traffic crowded aeas. Aim of the work is to study the health hazards of industrial noise exposure among glass & crystal workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a national Glass and crystal company at 10th of Ramadan city (resembling a noisy occupations). The study included 2 groups of workers, 100 workers in the production section who were exposed to noise level >85 dB A as exposed group versus 100 workers in the administration section with exposure to noise level < 85 dB A as non exposed group. All workers were subjected to full medical and occupational history. general examination and lipid profile picture, a representative sample of the workers at both groups were subjected to audiogram. Results: Workers at production section were exposed to much higher level of noise beyond the permissible limits, the mean level was 104 ± 0.5 dB A. There was a significant higher percentage of auditory complaints "ear pain, headache. Tinnitus and vertigo" as well as extra auditory complaints specially insomnia and anxiety among the exposed group more than non exposed group to high noise level. The percentage of hypertension among production workers (35%) was significantly higher than the administration workers (19%). (P |
