IntroductionOccupational noise is among the most critical occupational hazards, which, in addition to hearing loss, can cause other adverse consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health. Long-term exposure to noise can affect blood and biochemical parameters and subsequently lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the effect of occupational exposure to noise on blood and biochemical parameters of workers in an insulator manufacturing plant.MethodsThis case-control study was conducted on workers in the production section (49 people as a case group) and the administrative staff (10 people as a control group) in one insulator manufacturing plant from 2010 to 2014. To assess individual exposure of workers to noise, the noise dosimeter model TES-1355 was used. Noise dosimetry testing was done based on the exposure pattern of workers to noise in compliance with the Iranian national standard (the criterion level of 85 dBA and the exchange rate of Q = 3 dBA). Blood parameters such as blood glucose, cholesterol, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) were studied in production workers (case) and administrative staff (control) over five consecutive years. The data were analyzed by software (SPSS-22) using the t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Fisher exact test, and Greenhouse-Geisser test.ResultsNo significant difference was found among the demographic data of the two groups (p > 0.05). Average of glucose and cholesterol levels in the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and blood glucose levels in the case group significantly reduced over time and cholesterol increased (p < 0.001). Mean difference of RBC number, WBC number, and serum levels of Hb and Hct was statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.05). In addition, these hematological parameters increased among workers during these years.ConclusionOccupational exposure to noise may have a significant effect on an individual’s blood parameters, which will cause harmful effects on worker health. Therefore, industrialists must take preventive measures in the field of noise control.

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of heat stress on some hematological parameters and thyroid hormones among foundry workers. This study was performed on 25 heat-acclimated subjects while 10 office workers were selected as the control group. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was determined to estimate the heat stress. Blood sampling was conducted before and after the daily work shift. The mean value of the WBGT index was 35 °C. The levels of plasma osmolality (p = 0.04) and white blood cells (p = 0.03) in the case group (before exposure to heat) were significantly higher than those in control group. No significant differences were observed between the average levels of T3 (p = 0.79) and T4 (p = 0.17) hormones between two groups. A positive relationship was found between the variation of some hematological parameters and thyroid hormones with WBGT index and air temperature.

Background: Antineoplastic drugs as chemotherapy agents are used for various therapeutic purposes. Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs is possible through inhalation, skin contact, skin absorption, and digestive or injection. Assessment of occupational exposure of staff working with anti-neoplastic drugs has been a major concern among practitioners and occupational health and safety managers. Objectives: Considering the importance of safeguarding oncology personnel against antineoplastic drugs, the aim of this study was to validate a method for analysing cyclophosphamide (CPA) in urine samples as the biomarker of the exposure of oncology personnel of two hospitals in Tehran. Methods: Standard urine samples were obtained from a healthy man without having any exposure to CPA drug. The standards urine samples of CPA within the concentration range of 0.02 to 50 microgram per liter (µg/L) were prepared by diluting the urine stock solution. Ifosfamide (IFO) was added as an internal standard at a concentration of 20 µg/L. CPA and IFO analysis by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) in this study was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for verification of their peak retention times and MS signature at 95% confidence. Results: Urinary CPA concentrations as the biomarker of the exposure of the oncology personnel were detected within the range of 0.52 to 21.4 µg/L. The drug presence in the urine of 31% (10 of 32) of two hospital staff indicate the biological monitoring potential to recognition of worker's exposure. Conclusions: In general, biological monitoring of oncology personnel could be a useful tool for assessing occupational exposure through all routes and efficacy of the current safety measures. Owing to higher values of urinary CPA in this study compared to the studies of their colleagues abroad stringent control measures were deemed necessary.

The present study was aimed to compare the effects of exposure to noise, vibration, lighting, and microwave on male mice’ sperm parameters. The mice were randomly assigned to five groups of eight, which comprised of the unexposed group and exposure groups including the lighting (1000 lux), noise (100 dB(A)), vibration (acceleration of 1.2 m/s2) and microwave (power density of 5 watts). The exposure groups were subjected to the four agents for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week during a 2-week period. Semen analysis were done according to World Health Organization guidelines. The highest significant mean difference in sperm count (-1.35×106/mL) had being observed between the microwave group and the control one (P=0.001). The highest difference in immotile percent (25.88 %) had being observed between the noise group and the control one (P=0.001). The highest difference in normal morphology (-27.06 %) observed between the lighting exposure group and the control group (P=0.001). The four agents can cause changes in different sperm parameters, however for definite conclusion; more laboratory and field studies are required. In total, exposure to microwave has had the greatest effect on sperm count and exposure to light has had the greatest effect on normal morphology and non-progressive motility. Moreover, exposure to noise has had the greatest effect on progressive motility and immotile percent, respectively.

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