occupational health introduction
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Occupational Health Introduction . Ass. Prof. Dr. Laith A. Alrudainy MD, MSc , PhD. Occupational health (WHO definition). According to WHO, occupational health can be defined as a multidisciplinary activity aiming at: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Occupational HealthIntroduction
Ass. Prof. Dr. Laith A. AlrudainyMD, MSc, PhD
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Occupational health (WHO definition)
According to WHO, occupational health can be defined as a multidisciplinary activity aiming at:
•Protection and promotion of the health of workers by eliminating occupational factors and conditions hazardous to health and safety at work
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Occupational health (WHO definition)
•Enhancement of physical, mental and social well-being of workers and support for the development and maintenance of their working capacity
•Development and promotion of sustainable work environments and work organizations
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Occupational health and developmentThe health status of the workforce in every country has an immediate and direct impact on national and world economies .
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Characteristics of occupational diseases
1 -The clinical and pathological presentation of most occupational diseases is identical to that of non- occupational diseases.
e.g., asthma
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Characteristics of occupational diseases
2 -Occupational disease may occur after the termination of exposure .
e.g., asbestose-related mesothelioma
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Characteristics of occupational diseases
3 -The clinical manifestations of occupational disease are related to the dose and timing of exposure ;
e.g., elemental mercury
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Characteristics of occupational diseases
4 -Occupational factors can act in combination with non-occupational factors to produce disease ;
e.g. exposure to asbestose and smoking
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Occupationally Associated Diseases
Ass. Prof. Dr. Laith A. AlrudainyMD, MSc, PhD
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Occupationally associated respiratory diseases
1 -Pulmonary asphyxiants -Simple asphyxiants (Carbon Dioxide,
Methane, and Nitrogen) -Chemical asphyxiants (Carbon Monoxide,
Hydrogen Cyanide, and Hydrogen Sulfide)
2 -Pulmonary irritant -Water Soluble: Ammonia, Chlorine, and
Sulfur Dioxide -Water Insoluble: Phosgene, Ozone
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Occupationally associated respiratory diseases
3 -Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
4 -Pneumoconiosis: -Coal dust pneumoconiosis
-Silicosis -Asbestosis
5 -Occupational asthma
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Hypersensitivity PneumonitisHypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung disease that is often related to occupation .
This inflammation of the lungs is caused by repeated inhalation of foreign substances such as :
-Bacteria in Moldy Hay Farmers Lung -Fungi in Wood Dust Wood workers Lung
-Avian Dust Bird Breeders Lung
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Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Acute Severe Shortness of breath, cough, fever and chills. Occurs within 4 to 6 hours
Chronic Progressive fibrosis of Lung due to continuous exposure to organic material. (Progressive shortness of breath and cough) .
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Coal Dust Pneumoconiosis Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung)
Exposure Mining
Chronic Exposure Chronic bronchitis / Emphysema
Prevention Annual Chest X-rays, Low Dust Levels, Respirators, Frequent mine inspections .
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Silicosis The lungs caused by inhaling silica particles.
Exposure Sandblasting, Glass & Pottery making, Foundry Workers, Granite & sandstone Mining
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Silicosis Acute respiratory impairment & death
Chronic -Exposed to low level silica for >
20 years. (Cough, Shortness of breath, increased risk for tuberculosis)
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Silicosis Prevention (Chest X-ray), Respirator use, annual screen for tuberculosis.
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Asbestosis -Naturally occurring mineral with
thin, separable fibers. -Fibers do not dissolve in water or
evaporate. -Resistant to heat, fire, chemical &
biological degradation. -Are not broken down into other
compounds, and remain virtually unchanged over long periods of time.
May remain suspended in the air for a long time and be carried long distances by wind or water before settling.
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Asbestosis Exposure Used as insulation for pipes & broilers, vehicle brakes
It is fibrous material (Unlike Coal & Silica which is Dust)
Chronic Pleural plaques & fibrosis
Cancer Lung Cancer (Increased Risk in smokers) and Mesothelioma (Latency 30-40 yrs, unrelated to smoking)
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Occupational asthma -Occupational asthma is caused by specific
sensitizing agents inhaled in the workplace .
-It does not include bronchoconstriction induced by irritants such as exercise and cold air that
are encountered at work .
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Occupational asthma Example (it has recently been recognized that workers such as those in health services can develop occupational asthma as a result of
wearing latex gloves) .
The allergen is latex protein, which becomes airborne as the gloves are used .
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Occupational asthmaDiagnosis
-Occupational History: It is essential in the initial assessment of a worker thought to have occupational asthma .
-Coughing at work or at the end of a shift is often the first symptom and precedes wheezing .
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- -Concurrent rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, and lacrimation may be associated with exposure to allergic substances.
-The symptoms generally improve at weekends and holidays, but at advanced stages the
respiratory symptoms may persist .
Occupational asthma
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Occupational asthmaPhysical examination is rarely helpful-- even in confirmed cases the chest often seems to be normal.
Peak expiratory flow: A drop in peak expiratory flow or substantial diurnal variability in peak expiratory flow on working days but not on days away from work supports a diagnosis of
occupational asthma .
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Occupational asthmaManagement
Although treatment of acute occupational asthma is the same as for asthma generally, it is important to be aware that, once a person has been sensitized to a specific substance, subsequent exposure to even minimal quantities of this substance may precipitate
severe bronchoconstriction .
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Occupational asthmaNote:
A worker who develops occupational asthma should avoid further exposure to the causative agent.
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Any question?