Eye problems among the workers in re-rolling mill exposed to high temperature

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Yasmin, R.^{; ;} | Ahmad, R.^{; ;} | Sultana, N.^{; ;} | Sayed, S. | Ahmad, S.A. | Zaman, F. | Moniruzzaman,

Affiliations: Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh | Western Marine Shipyard Ltd, Dhaka, Bangladesh | Department of Community Medicine, Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Moniruzzaman, Department of Community Medicine, Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS), 125/1, Darus Salam, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh. Tel.: +880 1717210525; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to find out the eye problems of the workers exposed to high temperature in re-rolling mill. PARTICIPANTS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 workers of selected re-rolling mills in Chittagong of Bangladesh during April to June 2008. METHODS: Data was collected through face to face interview of the respondents by using a pre tested questionnaire and check list and physical examinations which were completed by Braun Thermo Scan Ear Thermometer and by Coaxial-plus Ophthalmoscope. Work place temperature and humidity were measured by industrial digital thermometer and hygrometer. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed that 25.5% of participants had inflammation of conjunctiva, 26% had itching of the eyes, 1.5% had corneal inflammation, 13.5% had partial opacity of the cornea, and 20.5% had hazy corneas. Of the total respondents, a majority had redness of the eyes, itching and blurring of vision. Most of the complaints were found to be associated with longer job duration (⩾ 5 years), production workers and high temperature (⩾ 40°C). CONCLUSION: The current study findings recommended that, the workers should be protected by using safety glasses with side shields and by wearing an apron of impervious cloth. There should be a surveillance system on work environments by appropriate authority for monitoring safety and maintenance of industrial hygiene.

Keywords: Inflammation of cornea and conjunctiva, watering of eye, redness of eye, visual problem, furnaces, high temperature

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1473

Journal: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 93-97, 2013