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[9000453.] رقم البحث : 9000453 - |
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Neurobehavioral, respiratory, and auditory disorders among mercury-exposed fluorescent lamp workers / |
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قطاع الدراسات الطبية / صحه المجتمع والصحه العامه |
| تخصص البحث : صحه المجتمع والصحه العامه |
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Menoufia Medical Journal / / Vol. 25, No. 2 - July 2012 |
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جعفر محمد عبدالرسول |
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audiometry, neurobehavioral test battery, occupational mercury exposure, spirometry |
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Objective
The aim of this work was to study some of the health disorders resulting from
occupational exposure to mercury among workers in a fluorescent lamp factory.
Background
With the fast market growth of fluorescent lamps, the associated emissions and risk
of mercury, which is an essential component in all types of fluorescent lamps, have
received increasing public attention worldwide. Low doses of mercury exert toxicity
on various human organs, including the central nervous, renal, respiratory,
reproduction, immune, cardiovascular, skin, and motor systems.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on 138 workers in a fluorescent lamp factory
and a nonoccupationally exposed group of 151 individuals. An environmental study
of mercury and noise levels was carried out. Neurobehavioral tests, spirometric
measurements, and audiometric examination were performed. Urinary mercury level
was also measured for all participants.
Results
In the exposed group, the mean value of urinary mercury level (mg/g creatinine) was
significantly increased among those who showed behavioral changes and hearing loss
or had other manifestations related to mercury toxicity. With increasing duration
of employment in years or with increasing urinary mercury level, the performance of
neurobehavioral test battery and spirometric measurements deteriorated. Prominent
symptoms among mercury-exposed workers included tremors, emotional lability,
memory changes, neuromuscular changes, and performance deficits in tests of
cognitive and/or motor functions.
Conclusion
The neurobehavioral test battery must be used to study subclinical central nervous
system dysfunction because of mercury toxicity, especially to evaluate the severity
of the effects of mercury in epidemiological studies. This study also reinforces the need
for effective preventive programs at fluorescent lamp industry workplaces, especially
in developing countries with the most unhygienic ill-ventilated conditions. |
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