Oral and general health status of battery factory workers in Amman, Jordan: Cases presentations and review

Abstract

Background: Workers in industrial battery factories frequently exposed to a hazardous working environment that causes adverse effects on their oral and general health. Aim: The aim of this study is to highlight oral and general health status among battery workers exposed to sulfuric acid-lead fumes and mists in the production site. Cases of deteriorated oral health presented. Subjects and Methods: The sample consisted of 24 participants working in the production site and 15 in the nonproduction line matched in age and employment period, acts as controls. Structural questionnaires on oral and general histories had been completed by interviews. Clinical examinations were carried out to assess dental erosion, oral hygiene, periodontal status using the appropriate indices. The data were statistically analyzed. Results: Questionnaires of workers in the production line revealed that more than two-thirds (67%–86%) of the workers had complaints of teeth sensitivity, dry mouth and nose, disturbed sense of taste, burning/itching eyes, and abdominal distress. They exhibited significantly higher scores of dental erosion, poor oral hygiene, and gingivitis compared with the control group (P