This study was conducted in the iron and steel industry at Helwan district in Cairo Governorate. The studied sample included two groups : The first group was the heat exposed group (150 workers), randomly selected from different iron and steel processes. The second group (50 workers) were randomly selected as a control group from security and services departments, they were neither exposed to heat nor had past history of exposure to heat. Full clinical examination and ECG recording were carried out for both groups together with serum electrolyte analysis for some of them. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of heat exposure on the cardiovascular system and on electrolyte balance. Also, to advise on preventive measures. The results revealed that heat exposed workers had significantly higher pulse rates than the control group. The most prevalent heat disorder symptom among the heat exposed workers was heat cramp (35%). The heat exposed workers had statistically significantly higher prevalence of ECG changes (43.33%) than the control group (8%). The most prevalent ECG change was tall peaked T wave (38%) indicating hyperkalemia. It was found that the prevalence of T wave changes increased with increasing age and weight. The heat exposed workers with T wave changes had statistically significantly lower serum sodium and higher serum potassium than those without T wave changes. The study recommended the importance of medical evaluation to identify individuals at increased risk of heat disorders (extremes of age, obesity, etc), training of exposed workers to recognize early signs and symptoms of heat disorders who should be advised of the importance of proper attire, nutrition and fluid intake, Employers should provide cool drinking water and shaded rest areas close to the work site. |
