SPIROMETRIC AND AUDIOMETRIC ABNORMALITIES AMONG WORKERS IN AN AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT FACTORY

Introduction: Workers in metal fabrication are exposed to the hazardous effects of welding fumes, gases, and noise that may lead to acute and chronic health effects. Aim of Work: To measure occupational auditory and respiratory disorders among workers in Tanta Motors Factory in Tanta City, Egypt. Also, to investigate the association between the workplace and occupational auditory and respiratory disorders among workers. Materials and Methods: It is a comparative cross-sectional study. The study included 120 male workers and an equal number of 120 administrative male workers as a comparative group. An interview questionnaire was filled to collect the required data. Clinical examination, spirometry and audiometry were done for all workers. Environmental monitoring of the work place was taken from the records whichinclude noise measurement, heat indices, dust level. Results: There were significantly lower mean values of FVC%, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC% among the exposed group compared to the control one. Hearing threshold levels in “dB” were significantly higher among exposed workers than controls at frequencies of 250 and 8000 Hz in both right and left ears which was higher in frequency of 4000 HZ more than other frequencies. Conclusion and Recommendations: There were early changes in the spirometric and audiometric measurements among the exposed workers. Working in agricultural equipment metal industries was associated with a high prevalence of chest manifestations and hearing impairment. Periodic medical examination yearly for early detection and management of health problems. Encourage the use of PPE as earmuff or ear plug and masks.