Iranian Journal of health, safety andenvironment

1336-1342

Authors: Mansooreh Dehghani, Samaneh Shahsavani, Fatemeh Jamshidi, Narges Shamsedini

The textile industry produces a large amount of polluted effluents discharged into the environment. Therefore, this research was carried out to compare the efficiency of removal of Reactive red 198 (RR–198) dye by fenton and photo–fenton processes and determine the optimal conditions for maximum removal. This study was conducted on a laboratory scale. The effect of influential parameters, including pH (3–9), Fe(II) concentration (10–200mg/L), H2O2 concentration (25–150mg/L), dye concentration (50–200mg/L) and reaction time (15–90min.) on dye removal was investigated and the optimal conditions were determined according to the maximum dye removal efficiency. The results indicated that the dye removal rate increased as the pH and Fe(II) concentration decreased. The optimal conditions for RR–198 removals from the aqueous solution are pH of 3, Fe (II) concentration of 10mg/L, H2O2 concentration of 50mg/L, the initial dye concentration of 50mg/L, and the reaction time of 15min.. The maximum dye removal efficiency under optimal conditions was 98.82%. The results of this study revealed that the photo–fenton process was superior to the removal of dye compared to fenton process.

1344-1347

Authors: Ahmadreza Yazdanbakhsh, Mohammad Rafiee, Masumeh Alimoradi

The goals of this study were to assess the microbiological quality and coastal water quality index (CWQI) in the Persian Gulf alongshore of Bandar Abbas city. Water samples were collected from five different coastal sites in spring and summer seasons. To assess the microbiological quality: Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, Fecal Streptococci and Clostridium perfringens were measured. Also, eight physicochemical parameters (DO, BOD, TSS, Turbidity, Temperature, pH, Nitrate, Phosphate) were examined for calculating the CWQI. The mean for microbiological indicators was respectively, 3667, 1055, 50, 211 MPN/100ml. for physicochemical parameters, the average of water temperature was 32 °C, electrical conductivity was 57mmho/cm, the turbidity was 70.7 NTU, pH 8.1, and also the average concentration of phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium was 180, 18.2, 4.9, 12.16μmol/L, and the mean of concentration BOD, COD and DO were 4.89, 11 and 6.8mg/L, respectively. In addition, the water quality index for all months and at selected stations was 65. The results showed that in the most samples the levels of microbiological indicators were exceeded the national standard and guideline values. Also, the computed CWQI showed that quality of water was weak. All the extracted results are closely related to the inlets connected to the sea. These inlets except the Ghadir station will affect the rest of the stations. In general, in low tide, the Bactria index was more than high tide.

1355-1365

Authors: Sahram Vosoughi, Sajjad Rostamzadeh, Mohammad Hossein Chalak, Ali Asghar Farshad, Masoud Jahanpanah

Falling from height known as one of the most important factors that leads to fatal accidents in the construction industry. The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify the effective factors in the occurrence of falling from height accidents in the construction projects and determine the causal relationships between organizational, individual and environmental factors. In this research, the surveyed population was the workers of five construction projects of a gas refinery in south of Iran from 2011 to 2015. Using the Integrated Management System (IMS) information, factors and sub-factors affecting the occurrence of falling from height accidents in the construction projects were determined. Then, a semi-comparative questionnaire based on the DEMATEL technique was designed and distributed among 10 experts at two different periods. Based on the expert's opinions, the identified factors and sub-factors were classified into three main factors and fourteen sub-factors, respectively. Then, the causal relationships between each the effective factor were identified, using DEMATEL technique. The results of DEMATEL technique revealed that the individual factors were considered to be the most important criteria, as it has acquired the maximum (D+R) value, i.e., 36.689 whereas, organizational factors had scored the least, i.e., 35.180. Accordingly, organizational factors and their sub-factors had a substantial effect on the falling from height accidents and were considered as causal variables (D-R>0), while, the indices of individual and environmental factors were the effect variables (D-R<0). So that, mutual understanding was an organizational sub-factor that had the highest impact on the occurrence of falling from height and has been identified as a causal variable. Generally, it is necessary to consider specific plans such as stress management and safety culture programs in order to reduce unsafe conditions in the construction projects.

1289-1290

Authors: Sheikh Akhtar Ahmad, Manzurul Haque khan, Mahmud Hasan Faruquee, Rabeya Yasmin, Shanta Dutta, Mahibun Nahar, Sheikh Mohmmad Nafis Kabir, Salamat Khasndkar

Low birth weight (LBW) of the babies was found to be associated with arsenic exposure through consuming arsenic-contaminated water in Bangladesh. But the influences of maternal nutritional status and hemoglobin level remains to be dealt with. This study was conducted to assess the LBW of the babies in reference to arsenic exposure of mothers controlling the influences of the nutritional status (BMI) and hemoglobin level. This was a cross-sectional study carried out amongst the pregnant mothers who came to a district hospital for delivery. The mothers aged ≥18 years and had no complication were included in the study. A total of 101 mothers and their newborn babies were the study sample. Of the total 101 participant mothers, 41.5% were arsenic exposed. Comparatively, on an average, lower birth weight (2492± 477gr) was found among the babies born to arsenic exposed-mother. The exposed mother of LBW babies had significantly a higher urine arsenic concentration (381.38µg/L). The correlation analysis revealed that there was a negative relationship with the urine arsenic concentration (r=-.619; p=.000) and positive relationship with the hemoglobin level (r=.280; p=.092) and BMI (r=.204; p=195) of the exposed mother with the birth weight. After controlling the influence of hemoglobin level and BMI, an almost same association was found between LBW and urine arsenic. Mothers with arsenic exposure were at risk of giving birth to LBW babies, this could increase as evident by higher maternal urine arsenic concentration. And any positive effect of maternal nutritional status and hemoglobin level on birth weight of newborn could be offset by arsenic exposure.

1297-1302

Authors: Mansooreh Dehghani, Yasamin Zonnon, Elham Nourozi, Narges Shamsedini

Dye industries and textile are among the most water-consuming industries, which severely disturb the aquatic life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of Fenton process in removing Direct Red 81 dye from aqueous solutions and the optimal conditions for maximum removal. This research was conducted in a laboratory-scale using a one-litre photochemical reactor. The effect of the influential parameters, including pH (3–9), Fe (II) concentration (10–150mg/L), H2O2 concentration (20–150mg/L), initial dye concentration (25–150mg/L), and reaction time (15–120min) on the dye removal was investigated and the optimal conditions were determined according to maximum dye removal efficiency The results showed that the dye removal rate increased as the pH and Fe(II) concentration decreased and as the initial dye concentration and time increased. The optimal condition was at pH=3, Fe (II)=10mg/L, H2O2=50mg/L, initial dye concentration=100mg/L, and reaction time= 45 minutes. Although the maximum removal efficiency (98.29%) was obtained at the reaction time of 120 minutes, 45 min was the appropriate reaction time considering the cost-effectiveness. Our results suggest that the Fenton process is a reliable and efficient method with more than 95% efficiency for decolourization of DR-81 dye and many industrial wastewaters.

1310-1317

Authors: Ali Koolivand, Mohammad Sadegh Rajaee, Mohammad Javad ghanadzadeh, Reza Saeedi, Fattolah Gholami Borojeni

Dental wastewater and solid waste are one of the most important sources of environmental pollution. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the quality of wastewater and solid waste produced in the general dentistry offices in the city of Arak, Iran. A total number of 30 samples of wastewater and 30 samples of solid waste were taken from 30 general dentistry offices. The samples of wastewater were analyzed for metals and other parameters such as BOD, COD, and TSS. The samples of solid wastes were manually separated into 66 components and 4 categories and then weighted. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Hg, Fe, B, Ba, Sn, Ag, Pb, Al, Mn, Cr, and Co were 3950.09, 2578.59, 1247.28, 1060.21, 538.36, 493.21, 300.91, 156.56, 108.32, 107.37, 91.11, 66.00, and 6.48µg L-1, respectively. The mean generation of dental solid waste in each general dentistry office was 670.22g day-1. Potential infectious waste, domestic-type waste, chemical & pharmaceutical waste, and toxic waste constituted 51.52%, 35.30%, 11.11% and 2.07%, of the total waste generated, respectively. Due to the high levels of some metals in the samples, the wastewater should be treated before discharging into the public sewer.

1323-1329

Authors: Saeid Kamalifar, Mansour R.Azari, Athena Rafieepour, Mohsen Asgari, Rezvan Zendehdel, Hamid Soori, Elaheh Tavakol, Ali Reza Rahmati, Maedeh Nadim Ghaziani

Mists of water-based metalworking fluids (MWFs) as a kind of lubricants mineral oil are reported as a respiratory irritant with having carcinogenic compounds such as formaldehyde. Due to the widespread exposure of Iranian metal machining workers to water-based MWFs and limitations of advanced analytical balance in Iran, which is required by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conventional method No5524, the purpose of this study was set to develop a new analytical method using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry instead. In this study, the spiked standards in the range of 0.96 to 960 µg/sample were dried and extracted with carbon tetrachloride and scanned by FTIR in the range of 2700 to 3200cm-1 for the best absorption. FTIR and Gas chromatography analysis of formaldehyde as a toxic ingredient of MWFs was examined and its presence was confirmed. For establishing the validation, the merits of the analysis of the FTIR and NIOSH method No.5524, such as precision, accuracy, LOD, LOQ, and bias were obtained that were 1.49%, 103%, 0.0004, 0.0014 µg/sample, -3%, and 10.87%, 111%, 14.9, 49.1µg/sample and 11% respectively. Regression coefficients (r2) of the calibration line with the spiked standards (0.96-960µg/sample) were in the range of 0.997 to 0.999. Since the merits of the analysis of the FT-IR method for water-based MWFs were comparable to the respective NIOSH method, the developed method could be very useful in monitoring lathe workers, especially in developing countries. However, collaborative examination for full validation of the method is recommended.

1233-1238

Authors: Hamed Hassani, Firouz Valipour, Milad Derakhshanjazari, Gholamhossein Pourtaghi

Increase the system efficiency in photocatalytic systems is necessary for economic aspects. In this study, for photocatalytic destruction of toluene in a circular fluid bed or substrate reactor, the effect of UV radiation changes and bed temperature was investigated. The Efficiency of the photocatalytic system was studied in various conditions of relative humidity variables, UV intensity and bed temperature. This study showed by increasing the photocatalyst loading percentage of more than 20%wt., there is no significant change in the efficiency of toluene degradation. In a steady state of all other parameters, when the intensity of the UV radiation rises from 5 w/m2 to 17 w/m2, Toluene degradation efficiency also has an increasing trend. Also, we found that with increasing temperature, the efficiency of photocatalytic oxidation of toluene is increasing. The independent effect of each of the variables on the efficiency of toluene removal are interdependent and mutually influential, and in order to have the appropriate efficiency, all variables should be examined together in the appropriate conditions.

1243-1248

Authors: Firouz valipour, Habibollah Dehghan, Saeed Yazdani Rad, Mansour Zare

Personal protective clothing (PPC) can cause heat strain. The purpose of this study was Heat strain control by two portable cooling vests under wearing vapor protective suit and hot condition. An experimental study was conducted in a climatic chamber on 15 male students under warm conditions (ambient temperature =40°C, relative humidity=40%). Each participant performed the test without a cooling vest and with Spadana (Of 70% cotton and 30% polyester with 10 pockets for PCM: Hydrogel packages and a total weight of 2.3kg) and Techkewl-7026 (100% cotton with 4 pockets for PCM packages and a total weight of 2 / 2kg) phase change material cooling vests. The activity rate on a treadmill was light (2.8km/h) and the test lasted 30 minutes for each stage. Cooling effects were evaluated by measuring heart rate, oral temperature and skin temperature. Results showed that the mean and standard deviation for heart rate, oral temperature and skin temperature with a Spadana cooling vest were 100.55 (8.12)(bpm), 36.83 (0.25)°C and 31.52(1.85)°C, respectively, and for Techkewl-7026 cooling vests were 103.64 (10.9)(bpm), 36.98(0.34)°C and 34.2 (1.4)°C, respectively, and for without cooling vest were 113.33(11.23)(bpm), 37.05(0.35) °C and 37.93(0.48) °C, respectively . The difference between parameters with cooling vests and without cooling vest was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The use of Spadana and Techkewl-7026 phase change material cooling vests can reduce thermal stress through a reduction in heart rate, oral temperature, skin temperature and sweating rate.

1254-1258

Authors: Saeid Yazdanirad, Amir Hossein Khoshakhlagh, Habibollah Dehghan, Vali Sarsangi

The overweight and obesity are considered as a risk factor for the heat strain. This study was planned to assess the oral temperature changes among overweight and normal-weight subjects during light and moderate exercises under exposure to hot and very hot conditions. An experimental study was conducted on 35 subjects with normal-weight and 35 subjects who had overweight. The subjects rested for 30 minutes. Then, each subject performed a light exercise (2.8 kilometers per hour on the treadmill) under exposure to very hot and moderately humid conditions for 60 minutes. In the next phase, subjects performed a moderate exercise (4.8 kmph on the treadmill) under exposure to hot and moderately humid conditions for 60 minutes after 30 minutes of rest. The oral temperature was measured every 4 minutes. The rest oral temperature of overweight subjects with body mass index more than 27kg/m2 was significantly higher than that of normal-weight subjects in both conditions (P<0.015). While the exercise oral temperature of overweight subjects with body mass index more than 27kg/m2 compared to that of normal-weight subjects was significantly higher only in the moderate exercise under exposure to hot conditions (P=0.001). The rest and exercise oral temperature of overweight subjects with body mass index more than 27kg/m2 was higher than that of normal-weight subjects when they performed a moderate exercise under exposure to hot conditions.

1267-1271

Authors: Majid Motamedzade, Mahdi Mohammadian, Javad Faradmal

There are several methods for assessing the risk of upper-limb disorders in occupational health studies. The goal of present study is to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of three risk assessment methods of SI, OCRA Checklist and ART in repetitive tasks and exposure to upper-limb risk factors. First, 9 raters used SI, OCRA Checklist and ART to assess the physical exposure level of the upper limb in workers 30 tasks with different levels of profession for two assessment periods. In the results of inter-rater reliability using ICC, the risk classifications were ρ = 0.54, ρ = 0.74 and ρ = 0.77 for SI, OCRA Checklist and ART, respectively. And the intra-rater reliability for the final score of the OCRA Checklist, SI and ART methods was κ = 0.59, κ = 0.66 and κ = 0.67, respectively. The inter-rater reliability for risk classification and final score of ART, OCRA Checklist and SI methods using ICC) obtained as moderate to good. However, the overall results showed that the reliability of ART method was higher than two other methods. The findings demonstrated that all three methods are appropriate for assessment in workplaces. These methods should be used based on assessment objectives, rater experience and required time for assessing the tasks.

1158-1166

Authors: Maryam Feiz-Arefi, Farshid Ghorbani-Shahna, Abdulrahman Bahrami, Hossein Ebrahimi, Alireza Mahjub

Methyl benzene, which has carcinogenic effects, is a volatile organic compound that is widely used in various industries. Nano composites of Mno2/Al203/Fe203, which is a new photocatalyst, have not been applied to remove contaminants from air streams. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the photocatalytic removal of ethyl benzene by using this nano composite activated by visible light. Morphological characteristics of the synthesized Nano composite in a sol-gel method are determined through XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Through the photocatalyst process and by the use of visible light radiation, the synthesized Nano composite is used to degrade ethyl benzene in the gas phase. In order to estimate the main effects and interaction ones and to optimize the experiment numbers, the response surface method was used. Operational parameters investigated in the study are the initial concentration of contaminants, relative humidity, and the residence time, which were considered in three levels; further, the experiments were designed by Design Expert version 9 software. The results show the Nano composite particle sizes were less than 82 nanometers. The findings also indicate that relative humidity and residence time were effective parameters in removal efficiency of ethyl benzene. This Nano composite, at the optimal conditions, was capable of removing 98.72% of the pollutants, with an initial content of 300 ppm. MnO2/Al2O3/Fe2O3 Nano composite is a suitable catalyst to remove ethyl benzene from air streams. Among the features of the Nano composite are reaction at room temperature and lower production dangerous byproducts, which are the main advantages of this Nano composite as compared with other nano composites.

1175-1189

Authors: Morteza Cheraghi, Meysam Shahrabi-Farahani, Seyyed Ali Moussavi-Najarkola

One of the prevalent injurious factors and disabilities is work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the risks of ergonomic factors inducing musculoskeletal disorders consequent from industrial construction by means of PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) risk evaluation and MMH (Manual Material Handling). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 357 construction workers working in 21 different jobs of construction industry in Parand New City, south-west of Tehran, Iran. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. PATH was served to assess different body part postures such as back, feet, hands, also weight of tools and equipment and catching by hand (hand-catch). Most prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was around back (30.5%) and knee (28.9%), and in opposed side elbow (4.2%) respectively. The results of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) showed that there is meaningful relation through pain of neck, wrist, hand, back and knee with workers age and working experience (P<0.05). Also through the different jobs under study in PATH method, there is different significant statistical results (P<0.05) in the postures of back, feet and hands, tools & Equipment weight and hand-catch (grabbing or taking by hand). The non-neutral postures were observed in some parts such as back (more than 30%), feet (more than 40%) and hands (more than 15%). PATH can be referred as a sensitive and efficient risk evaluation technique in construction industry, as well as MMH is a complementary method for more precision assessment of manual material handling risks in jobs involved in PATH high scores.

1198-1205

Authors: Exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is one of the most important risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which drivers are likely to report non-specific health complaints. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between whole body vibrations with musculoskeletal disorders among intercity mini-buses drivers. 80 intercity mini-bus drivers were participated in this study. The values of the frequency-weighted Root Mean Square (RMS), Vibration Dose Values (VDV) and Crest Factor (CF) was measured using the SVAN-958 and the SV39A/L accelerometer, in accordance with ISO 2631-1. ANOVA, Post-hoc analysis, and correlation tests were used to analyze the obtained data using SPSS 23. This study show that the overall equivalent acceleration A_eq (T) difference in various studied models of minibuses was significant (P<0.01), so that the mini-buses model 2011 have the lowest acceleration (0.88 m/s2), whereas the 2009 model have the highest value (0.96 m/s2). POST hoc analysis and Bonferroni method show that there was a significant difference between three models of the mini-buses (P<0.01-F=4.90). Also, there was a significant correlation between pain in different areas of the body with values of exposure daily vibration, expressed in terms of 8-h, respectively (P<0.001). There was sufficient evidence to prove the relationships of whole body vibration with MSDs. In addition, the lifetime of minibuses production is introduced as one of the effective factors in transmitting vibration to drivers.

Exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is one of the most important risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which drivers are likely to report non-specific health complaints. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between whole body vibrations with musculoskeletal disorders among intercity mini-buses drivers. 80 intercity mini-bus drivers were participated in this study. The values of the frequency-weighted Root Mean Square (RMS), Vibration Dose Values (VDV) and Crest Factor (CF) was measured using the SVAN-958 and the SV39A/L accelerometer, in accordance with ISO 2631-1. ANOVA, Post-hoc analysis, and correlation tests were used to analyze the obtained data using SPSS 23. This study show that the overall equivalent acceleration A_eq (T) difference in various studied models of minibuses was significant (P<0.01), so that the mini-buses model 2011 have the lowest acceleration (0.88 m/s2), whereas the 2009 model have the highest value (0.96 m/s2). POST hoc analysis and Bonferroni method show that there was a significant difference between three models of the mini-buses (P<0.01-F=4.90). Also, there was a significant correlation between pain in different areas of the body with values of exposure daily vibration, expressed in terms of 8-h, respectively (P<0.001). There was sufficient evidence to prove the relationships of whole body vibration with MSDs. In addition, the lifetime of minibuses production is introduced as one of the effective factors in transmitting vibration to drivers.

1213-1220

Authors: Ahmad Ahmadi Teymourlouy, Hesam Seyyedin, Reza Fadaye-vatan, Amir Omrani

Iran, like many other countries, is experiencing a growing elderly population. In 2016 census in Iran, out of a population of 79,926,270 people, more than 6 million people (8.2% of the population) were 60 years and over. This can be a major challenge for both healthcare providers and senior patients. This study assesses the suitability of the design, safety, physical environment and systems of Iranian hospitals based on age-friendly design principles. In this descriptive research, 26 hospitals in Tehran were selected and examined. Data were collected using a valid and reliable checklist with 50 items assessing the physical environment, accessibility, service delivery, and management systems of the hospitals. The results showed that 96 % of hospitals have wide corridors, 88% have suitable lighting, 85% have ramps for wheelchair users and railings for staircases, but 58% do not have an alarm in each toilet. It can be said that the majority of the hospitals were in a relatively good condition in terms of safety of the physical environment, but resource management and special programs and healthcare systems for the elderly were in a poor condition. Given the rising elderly population in developing countries such as Iran, it is imperative to create elder-friendly environments and programs. The increasing demand for hospital beds necessitates special care be given to elder-friendly principles in the design and construction of new hospitals as well as the renewal of existing ones. It is also vital to carefully consider the health, safety and special needs of older patients in design and construction of new hospitals as well as the renewal of existing ones and developing health policies at the macro, meso and micro level, especially as they relate to inpatient and outpatient services.

1091-1098

Authors: Shima Rezaei, Hooshyar Hossini, Majid Hashemi

Chlorophenols as priority pollutants are toxic. These acidic organic compounds cause digestive disorders, liver damage, and cancers. The aim of this study is Ortho- chlorophenol removal using zero-valent iron nanoparticles modified clay. In this experimental study, the clay soil was sampled from the mountains of Shah Murad, Rafsanjan, Iran. Then it was treated with hydrochloric acid. In the next step, the clay was modified with ferrous sulfate in the presence of the N2 gas to prepare magnetic clay. Then, the prepared adsorbent was used to remove o-chlorophenol as a function of pH, adsorbent dose and contact time. In addition, adsorption isotherms and kinetics were determined. The findings of the present study showed that the removal efficiency obtained by the iron nanoparticles carrying clay was higher than that of the raw clay. The highest removal efficiency (91.3 %.) was obtained for pH 4. The o-CP removal efficiency by the modified clay increased from 35.9 to 82.7 as the adsorbent dosage is increased from 0.05 to 1 g after 120min contact time. The Langmuir isotherm model and the second-order kinetic model provided the best fit to the experimental data compared to other studied models. The results showed that the modified adsorbent could be used an effective and readily available low-cost adsorbent for the removal of chlorophenols in industrial applications.

1107-1104

Authors: Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Seyed Nouraddin Mousavinasab, Jafar Akbari

This study assessed the status of health, safety and environment (HSE) in all public schools (n=188) in Iran using a new tool (HSE-S) based on audit system. The first part of HSE-S tool was about general specifications and environment conditions. The second consists of the physical conditions and school management. The HSE-S was validated using CVI and CVR, Cronbach's alpha and Kappa coefficient. The CVI, CVR, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Kappa index were 0.75,> 0.7, 0.99 and 0.736 respectively. Ten schools were ranked as one-star, 149 as two-star and 29 as three-star. The top priorities for achieving an acceptable HSE status in schools were establishing a HSE unit, improving ergonomics and having a risk management system in each school. The HSE-S is an effective tool to evaluate and promote health, safety and environment in schools. Its application can help in implementing the “health promoting school” program of WHO.

1122-1127

Authors: Javid Manzoor, Manoj Sharma

We investigated general working conditions in the hospitals and nursing homes in Gwalior and assessed the health risk factors of employs in these hospitals April 2016 to August 2016. Sound Intensity Level (SIL) and light intensity was measured with sound and lux meter respectively. The temperature and humidity in hospitals and nursing homes was measured by thermo hygrometer. A pretested questionnaire was used to evaluate the health problems among the employs. Results indicated that employs in these hospitals were exposed to poor environmental conditions. The majority of these employs were suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, allergic reactions, respiratory disorders and other physical disorders.

1132-1137

Authors: Alireza Dehdashti, Mahdieh Ghainy, Ghasem Askari, Gholamreza Ghaeiny

Ultraviolet emission from sun considered as a hazardous parts of optical waves. This study aimed at determining exposure to ultraviolet radiation among taxi drivers in Damghan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of taxi drivers. Individual exposure to solar ultraviolet-A was assessed during day light working hours. Exposure was determined on the basis of radiation intensity and biologically cumulated standard erythema dose. Our findings showed that exposure was varied in terms of time and geographical sites. The exposure intensity ranged from 0.01 to 15.36W/m2 and from 1.42 to 28.7W/m2 inside and outside the vehicles, respectively. Drivers had the highest exposure from June till August (17.54W/m2). Results showed lower exposure in April, May, and September (12.34W/m2). Cumulative exposure based on erythema dose showed the highest value (41.0 SED) inside vehicle at 9-10 am intervals. Taxi drivers are exposed to significant ultraviolet radiation. Geographical situation and time caused variations in exposure. Future studies should focus on the health effects so that determine the risk of exposure more accurately.