BackgroundHazardous exposure to occupational noise may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. This study was performed to assess the relationship between noise exposure and hypertension prevalence in steelworkers.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey using self‐reported noise exposure and audiometrically measured hearing loss was performed. One thousand eight hundred and seventy‐four workers were interviewed. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for hypertension by noise exposure. Linear regression analysis was used to test associations between noise exposure and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).ResultsOccupational noise‐exposed subjects had significantly higher blood pressure levels than nonexposed subjects (SBP: 123.18 ± (standard deviation) 12.44 vs 119.80 ± 12.50 mm Hg; DBP: 77.86 ± 9.34 vs 75.49 ± 8.73 mmHg). The prevalence of hypertension was approximately 5% in the control group without noise exposure or hearing impairment and increased from 6% to 21% across the range of increasing degree of hearing loss and, separately, of cumulative exposure time. Noise exposure (any) was associated with an increase in the prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio, 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15‐3.58). Noise‐induced hearing loss and cumulative noise exposure time were positively correlated with BP (hearing loss: SBP: β = .09, 95% CI: 0.04‐0.15 mm Hg, DBP: β = .11, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.17 mm Hg; cumulative exposure time: SBP: β = .10, 95% CI: 0.04‐0.15 mm Hg, DBP: β = .09, 95% CI: 0.04‐0.15 mm Hg).ConclusionsNoise exposure measured in two different ways was strongly associated with the prevalence of hypertension in steelworkers. Reducing noise in the steel factory could be a way of decreasing the risk of hypertension in this population.
Background: Noise has been acknowledged as one of the most prevailing physical hazard in occupational health and safety. Noise can possess both permanent and temporary health outcomes. The hazardous exposure to occupational noise is generally identified to have aural effects. However in past few years, researches have been carried out to perceive the association between noise exposure and cardiovascular diseases. Yet, the topic has been under controversies regarding its actual relationship or association since there is an existence of other confounders, variables or lifestyle with the exposure which might affect the subsequent disease condition. The results have not been consistent in the studies. Hypertension is one of the most significant etiological factors for cardiovascular diseases. Noise can cause high blood pressure mostly by two ways: either by releasing stress hormones like steroids or by stimulating sympathetic nervous system. China being one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world is having most prominent effect of noise in the daily life since it is a point for most of the goods manufacturing. Various national and international organizations like CDC, OSHA, and NIOSH etc. has recommended various ways to control the noise hazard and its deleterious impact on human health. This research was also done to assess the relationship or association between noise exposure level and prevalence of hypertension in the workers from steel factory in Guangzhou.
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