Epidemiology of Occupational Noise Exposure Level in the Industries of Bhutan

Abstract

Introduction: Noise hearing loss has been long recognized as an occupational disease which is preventable. The health effect of noise exposure depends on the level of noise and the duration of exposure. Thus, understanding noise levels and determining workers’ exposure to different noise levels at workplace is paramount in determining preventable programs at workplace. However, in Bhutan, there is limited or no information or studies on the prevalence of noise exposure level in the industries. Methods: The objective of this article is to ascertain the level of occupational noise exposure in the 26 manufacturing industries in two state of Bhutan and determine the high-risk industry and occupation. Sectors with high risk of noise exposure were selected for the study and similarly, the departments with high noise pollution within the establishment were considered for sampling. The level of noise was measured using NIOSH SLM apps on iOS devices and structured forms were used. Results: 34.6% of industries have occupation noise level between 85 to 90dB(A) and 38.5% have above 91dB(A). By occupation, 43.5% of workers are exposed to occupational noise level more than 90dB(A). Among various occupations, carpenters and operators are found to be vulnerable to hearing loss. Conclusion: Since more than one third of the enterprises have occupational noise level exceeding 90 dB(A), the workers in these workplaces have a higher risk of hearing loss. The situation could be further aggravated due to not using ear protection and not having hearing conservation programs in these workplaces.