Automobile Repair Workers Research Articles

Pattern of skin disorders in automobile repair workers: a worksite-based field study

Pattern of skin disorders in automobile repair workers: a worksite-based field study

국내 자동차 및 모터사이클 수리업 근로자의 연령별 작업 유해요인 노출 정도, 건강 문제에 관한 비교 연구

Objective: In this study, the working environment, exposure to hazardous factors, and health problems of automobile and motorcycle repair workers are analyzed according to age group.BRBRBackground: Due to the nature of the automobile and motorcycle repair industry, a worker performs several processes and tasks, so the workers are exposed to various hazardous factors. In addition, the proportion of the elderly in the industry is increasing. Therefore, comparative analysis according to age is required for worker characteristics, exposure to working environment hazardous factors, satisfaction with working conditions, and health problems of workers in the industry.BRBRMethod: In this study, a total of 393 workers in the automobile and motorcycle repair industry were extracted from the 6th Korean working conditions survey. 47 people were in their 20s and younger, 58 people were in their 30s, 125 people were in their 40s, and 163 people were in their 50s and over. In the survey items, worker characteristics and health-related characteristics were analyzed.BRBRResults: There was a statistically significant differences in years of service, salary, and working hours per week by age. The proportion of complaining any musculoskeletal pain was the highest at 45.5%, followed by upper extremity pain (40.2%), fatigue (29.3%), back pain (27.0%), and lower extremity pain (17.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of exposure to hazardous factors during work by age, but the overall health status was found to be worse with increasing age. The proportion of complaints of health problems were high in those over 50 years of age.BRBRConclusion: It is necessary to prepare and implement countermeasures against fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders in elderly workers. In addition, preventive measures and efforts and support to improve working conditions are required to minimize the cumulative exposure of workers to hazardous factors. BRBRApplication: The study is considered to be meaningful as basic data for improving working conditions in the automobile and motorcycle repair industry.

THE RESEARCH ON THE PRODUCTION OF SPECIAL CLOTHES FOR CAR REPAIRMEN, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ERGONOMIC FEATURES OF A PERSON

The main purpose of work clothes is to reliably protect the human body from various production factors while maintaining a normal functional condition and ability to work. Work clothes should not restrict the movement of the worker during the work process and should meet the needs that arise when used in accordance with the purpose, as well as be comfortable. Convenience affects not only the well-being of the employee but also his or her ability to work efficiently. These articles are devoted to the solution of designing special clothing for car repair workers, taking into account the ergonomic characteristics of men, and analysing the results of research for the design of special clothing.

Genotoxicity biomarkers in car repair workers from Barranquilla, a Colombian Caribbean City

ABSTRACT Exposure to chemicals and particles generated in automotive repair shops is a common and underestimated problem. The objective of this study was to assess the genotoxic status of auto repair workers with (1) a questionnaire to gather sociodemographic information and self-reported exposure to hazardous chemicals and (2) measurement of various biochemical parameters. Blood and oral mucosa samples were collected from 174 male volunteers from Barranquilla, Colombia, aged 18–55 years: 87 were active car repairmen and 87 were individuals with no known exposure to hazardous chemicals. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected for the comet and cytokinesis-blocking micronucleus (CBMN) assays, while oral mucosal epithelium extracted to quantify micronucleated cells (MNC). DNA was extracted to assess polymorphisms in the DNA repair (XRCC1) and metabolism-related genes (GSTT1 and GSTM1) using PCR-RFLP. DNA damage and frequency of micronuclei (MN) in lymphocytes and oral mucosa were significantly higher in exposed compared to control group. In both groups genotypes and allelic variants for XRCC1 and GSTT1 met the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). In contrast, GSTM1 deviated from HWE. In the exposed group genotypic variants were not correlated with DNA damage or MN presence in cells. DNA damage and occurrence of MN in mucosa and lymphocytes correlated with age and time of service (occupational exposure ≥ 3 years). In summary, workers in car repair shops exhibited genotoxic effects depending upon exposure duration in the workplace which occurred independent of DNA repair XRCC1 gene and metabolism genes GSTT1 and GSTM1. Date demonstrate that health authorities improve air quality in auto repair facilities to avoid occupational DNA damage.

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTIONS AMONG AUTOMOBILE REPAIR WORKERS

Introduction: Car repair technicians use chemicals during their work. These chemicalsbecome airborne during its application and can be easily inhaled and cause harm to therespiratory system. Aim of work: The current study aims to describe the magnitudeof respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function disorders among automobile repairworkers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performedon 121 automobile repair workers. The workers completed a predesigned questionnaireto collect socio-demographic data, including occupational history, special habits, andrespiratory complaints. The pulmonary function tests were carried out utilizing Spirolab-III from MIR Company with Winspiro Pro software, a calibrated spirometer with abuilt-in computer program. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume inone second (FEV1), and the ratio of these variables (FEV1/FVC) was measured as apercentage of normal predicted levels according to age, gender, weight, and height.Results: Dry cough and chest tightness were the most common respiratory symptoms(33.9% and 23.1%, respectively); however, only 4% of the automobile repair workersused respiratory protective equipment. More than one-third (38.8%) of the subjectshad pulmonary function (PF) disorders (19% with obstructive patterns and 19.8% withrestrictive patterns). Pulmonary function disorders were common among the older (>30 years), compared to the younger age group (≤30 years) (48.1% vs. 22.7%, respectively)and workers who are exposed to brake fluid. Smoking, obesity, and a long duration ofemployment had no significant associations with PF disorders. Conclusion: The currentstudy showed that two out of five car mechanics exhibited changes in pulmonary functionsthat were equally distributed between obstructive and restrictive impairments. Pulmonaryfunction disorders were common among the older age group, regardless of smoking or along employment duration. The promotion of workplace safety and the periodic spirometryexamination of individuals is required to detect any respiratory changes.

Occupational hand dermatitis in car repair workers.

IntroductionExposure to used gasoline engine oils during oil change and other automobile repair services is common for many mechanics, electrical technicians, and other car service workers. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hand dermatitis in car repair workers with different specialty and actual dermal exposure hazards in the workplace.MethodsWe examined the dermal problems in 153 male car repair workers and compared it to 140 office workers. Exposed and control groups were administered a Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire. Dermal exposure score also was calculated.ResultsThe prevalence of hand dermatitis in car repair workers (19.0%) was significantly higher than office worker (7.9%) [OR: 2.74, (95% CI = 1.31, 5.73)] and also higher than general population. Prevalence of atopic dermatitis was significantly higher in exposed group that had hand dermatitis compared with those who had no hand dermatitis (P < 0.001). The highest hand dermatitis as well as actual dermal exposure was observed in the mechanics and transmission technician respectively.ConclusionCar repair workers have an elevated prevalence of hand dermatitis in comparison with office workers. The most important risk factors for hand dermatitis among car repair workers are atopic dermatitis and the next the level of skin exposure to potential skin hazards.

Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure in Brake Mechanics: Epidemiology in Context

Asbestos causes pleural and peritoneal malignant mesothelioma, in addition to lung cancer, other cancers and asbestosis and pleural plaques. Multiple scientific disciplines have made significant contributions to the strength of the cancer causality consensus conclusion which has led many countries to ban the use of asbestos. Epidemiology has been applied to the study of automobile repair workers who have been exposed to asbestos from the replacement and installation of brakes containing asbestos. It is important to clear up the misunderstandings of the limits of epidemiology methods and their interpretation in the investigation of brake repair workers in order to prevent mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases in developing countries which are continuing to use asbestos in brake pads and for other uses.

Pulmonary function of automobile repair workers in the informal sector of Raichur urban

Background: Automobile repair workers of the informal sector are exposed to dusts, toxic fumes and aerosols. Long term occupational exposure may lead to pulmonary function impairment. Hence, the objectives were to study the occurrence of obstructive and restrictive pulmonary impairment among the automobile repair workers by using pulmonary function test and the factors associated with it.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in automobile repair workers who work in informal sector in the urban area of Raichur in Karnataka. The pulmonary function tests viz. Forced Expiratory volume in one second, Forced vital capacity, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate per liter and FEV1/FVC ratio in percentage were measured for each worker in sitting posture using a digital spirometer. Data collected were analyzed in SPSS 16.0 software. Chi-square test and t test was used.Results: Out of the 97 automobile repair workers, 42 (43.3%) had normal pulmonary function. Among the abnormal PFT, 20 (20.6%) had obstructive lung function, 25 (25.8%) had restrictive lung function and 10 (10.3%) had mixed obstructive and restrictive lung function. The workers with abnormal PFT consisted of body repair workers (25.0%), mechanical workers (38.1%), spray painters (75.0%), battery repair workers (100.0%) and tyre retreading workers (88.9%).Conclusions: In this study, 56.7% of workers had some form of pulmonary function impairment. Smoking, increase in duration of work hours and years of work showed significant pulmonary impairment. The study highlights the need for creating awareness and encouraging the use of protective gears such as masks, early screening, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases among the garage workers.

The Applied Research of Ergonomics in Lying Plate of Repair

The car repair workers would be injured in some part of body because of improper working postures. To reduce the injuries while repairing, changes must be made in the design of the car lying board. The improvement will be made according to the ergonomics theory, thus from the perspective of the comfortable working posture; analyzing from a qualitative nature to a quantitative nature, the design of the car lying board through man-machine analysis module of CATIA software on how to enhance the comfort of car repairing. That will make it possible for the car lying board to change its height and the angle of the pillow board according to the level of fatigue of man, so as to improve the comfort of car repairing. Also, it will provide an important reference to the design of related products.

Worldwide performance and trends in nonpoint source pollution modeling research from 1994 to 2013: A review based on bibliometrics

<h3>Objectives</h3> Evidence suggests that certain occupations and related exposures may increase the risk of malignant lymphoma. Farming, printing and paper industry, wood processing, meat handling and processing, welding, shoe and leather manufacturing and teaching profession are among the categories that have been implicated in previous studies. The relationship between occupation and malignant lymphoma has been investigated in a large European prospective study. <h3>Methods</h3> We investigated occupational risks for lymphomas in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). The mean follow-up time for 348 555 subjects was 9 years (SD: 2 years). The analysis was based on 866 and 48 newly diagnosed cases of non-Hodgkin9s lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin9s lymphoma (HL). These were identified in the EPIC subcohorts with occupational data. Data on 52 occupations were collected through standardised questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the association between occupation and risk of malignant lymphoma. <h3>Results</h3> The following occupations were positively associated with malignant NHL after adjustment for study centre, age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), smoking and alcohol: butchers (HR=1.53, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.48, including multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma; HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.66, excluding multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma) and car repair workers (HR=1.50, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.00, including multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma; HR=1.51, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.31, excluding multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma). HL was associated with gasoline station occupation (HR=4.59, 95% CI 1.08 to 19.6). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The findings in this current study of a higher risk of NHL among car repair workers and butchers and a higher risk of HL among gasoline station workers suggest a possible role from occupationally related exposures, such as solvents and zoonotic viruses, as risk factors for malignant lymphoma.

Biological monitoring of environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in subjects living in the area of recycling electronic garbage, in Southern China

The study was undertaken to evaluate the environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in subjects living in the area of recycling electronic garbage in Southern China and research the influence of environment smoke tobacco (EST) to people through active and passive smoking. Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydoxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene were determined in 141 randomly selected voluntary residents aged 13 to 81 years in two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-exposed groups, two control groups, and an EST research group. The concentrations of 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydoxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene in PAH-exposed groups are significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of control groups. Mean value of 1-hydroxypyrene in the residents living in the area of recycling electronic garbage (1.1 μmol/mol creatinine) is a little higher than those of iron foundry workers, automobile repair workers, and firefighters. Mean value of 2-hydroxynaphthalene (11.3 μmol/mol creatinine) is much higher than that of shipyard and aircraft maintenance and much lower than some occupational exposure, such as coking batteries, sorting department, and distillation department in coking plant. Some metabolites of PAHs (PAHm) are significantly elevated through active and passive smoking, while the influence of EST to other PAHm is not statistically significant. 2-Hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydoxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene in the urine of smokers are, respectively, 3.9, 1.9, 1.4, and 1.9 times to those of nonsmokers. In nonsmokers, passive smokers excreted 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, and 1.5 times of 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydoxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene compared to nonpassive smokers.

Study on the Link between Lead Exposure and Hematological, Psychological, and Memorial Parameters in Automobile Repair Workers

In the surrounding environment, lead (Pb) can be released by repairing some parts of automobile engine and radiators repair works. Lead is very well-known as a neurotoxicant as some links exist between blood lead level (BLL) and neurological outcomes. This cross sectional study was performed on 35 male workers who were 23 - 40 and worked in an automobile repair shop located in an industrial part of Tehran. Clinical evidences were recorded by a questionnaire. Subjects had given their blood samples between 7 and 8 a.m. before going to work. The levels of hematological parameters were measured and the amount of lead in plasma samples was determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Iranian versions of mood state and Wechsler memory questionnaire were applied in order to evaluate mood and memory impairment. The association between variables was studied using Pearson correlation coefficient. A positive correlation was seen between workers’ history on one side and, urinary frequency and restlessness on the other side. There was not any meaningful relationship between worker history, blood parameters, and mood state. A negative meaningful relationship existed between the workers’ history and visual memory. Also a positive significant relationship was observed between BLL and epigastric pain and there was a negative relationship between BLL and repeat number. There was not a significant relationship between BLL, blood parameters, and mood state as well. It was concluded that work practices in the automobile repair shop seemed to increase the body burden of lead and may pose a health risk to the workers.

A study on morbidity among automobile service and repair workers in an urban area of South India.

Introduction:Service sector in Indian industrial growth has obtained significant numbers. Automobile service industry is one of the largest in the world with a majority of the workers in unorganized sector of the industry. This study was carried out among auto service industry workers in Vellore urban area to assess possible occupation related morbidity.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional observation study was carried out among 106 automobile repair shop workers.Results:Half (47%) suffered work related stress, 32 (30.2%) reported exposure to dust, 81 (76%) to heat, and 50 (17%) to hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. More than 90% reported over exposure to petroleum products. A third reported cough for more than 2 weeks, more than a quarter reported gastrointestinal symptoms associated with work. Half of them reported musculoskeletal complaints associated with work with a quarter reporting un-intentional work place injuries. A tenth of them were found to have reduced pulmonary function on testing and nearly half had impaired sensory functions in peripheries. Reduced pulmonary function was found to be significantly associated with heavy metal exposure (P = 0.001). Peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with years of occupation (P = 0.001), exposure to petroleum products (P = 0.03) and exposure to heavy metals (P = 0.018).Discussion:Half of the workers were unaware of health problems associated with their occupational exposures and thereby the use of personal protection is abysmally low. A very high proportion of workers had symptoms of cough, breathlessness, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort and muscle aches. Almost a quarter of the workers had un-intentional occupational injuries in the last 6 months. Though they work in a high-risk environment with chances of fire hazard, falls and chemical exposures, none of the workshops had fire-extinguishers, first aid kits or any such safety devices.

Alcohol Consumption by workers in automobile repair shops of a slum of Kolkata: An assessment with AUDIT instrument

Background National Household Survey of Drug Use in the India in its systematic effort to document the nationwide prevalence of drug use including alcohol consumption reported that almost 21% of the adult male Indian consume alcohol in a year. To find out prevalence, pattern and consequences of drinking and determine the relationship of alcohol use with demographic and socio-economic factors among auto-mobile repair workers. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among auto-mobile repair workers in the urban field practice area of All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata. Results Prevalence of alcoholism in the community of automobile repair workers was found to be as high as 79%. More than 50% of the alcoholics belonged to the hazardous and dependent variety according to the WHO developed AUDIT instrument.53.01% of the alcoholics consumed foreign liquor predominantly and 87.95% bought them from licensed liquor shops. Mean age of initiation of drinking was 18.67 years. Taking loan OR (95% CI) 3.51(1.56-7.92), gambling OR (95% CI) 3.38(1.48-7.69) and clinical signs of alcoholism OR (95% CI) 5.52 (2.13 - 14.29) were significantly associated with chronic alcohol abuse. A multivariate logistic regression model was created for socio-economic variables which showed education AOR (95%CI) 4.65(1.34- 16.31) and total number of family members AOR (95%CI) 5.33(1.31-25.02) were significantly associated with drinking status (Nagelkerke R2 for this model is 0.2585). ConclusionThe prevalence of alcoholism is high in the automobile repair workers and therefore all efforts must be made to reduce, if not eliminate, alcohol consumption among the workers of auto-mobile service centres.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v3i3.9188 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2013;3(3): 269-274

OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AMONG YOUNG WORKERS IN CAR REPAIR WORKSHOPS IN PORT-SAID, EGYPT.

Introduction: The risk of having occupational injuries is higher in child workers than that in adults. Aim of work: This work was conducted to determine the prevalence of occupational injuries and to examine the factors associated with occupational injuries among young automobile repair. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Port-Said city, Egypt among young workers aged 12- 18 years old in car repair workshops. Sixty workers with at least one-year experience in their position were included using systematic random sample technique. A questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic data, and occupational history including injury. Results: Occupational injuries were reported by 68.3% of worker during the last year. Abrasions were the chief injuries being reported and the most common body parts injured were upper limbs. A statistically significant association was found between age, years of education, smoking, duration of employment and injury occurrence among automobile repair workers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Majority of the child laborers in car repair workshops were facing unsafe working conditions, and encountered frequent work-related injuries and illnesses. So, it is important to develop successful policies to prevent occupational injuries and promote safer work practices for young workers.

Does GSTP1 Polymorphism Contribute to Genetic Damage Caused by Ageing and Occupational Exposure?

The aim of our study was to see the effects of GSTP1 polymorphism on biomarkers of ageing, including micronuclei (MN), comet tail length, and relative telomere length in automobile repair workers, who are exposed to a broad spectrum of potential mutagens. The analysis was performed on buccal cells collected from occupationally exposed and non-exposed (control) subjects. Samples were analysed using cytogenetic and molecular methods, including restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), MN test, comet assay, and real-time PCR. The results confirmed the DNA damaging effects of substances used in the mechanical workshops, but did not confirm the influence of GSTP1 gene polymorphism on DNA damage. However, further studies on both occupationally exposed and control populations are needed to understand the relationship between GSTP1 polymorphism and genome damage.

Occupational Injuries in Automobile Repair Workers

Mechanics are exposed to varied work stressors such as hot noisy environments, strenuous postures, improperly designed tools and machinery and poor psycho-social environments which may exert an influence on their health and safety. The study aimed to examine the occupational injury patterns and identify work stressors associated with injury amongst automobile mechanics. A descriptive ergonomic checklist and questionnaire on general health and psycho-social issues were administered to male workers (N=153). The relative risk factors and correlation statistics were used to identify the work stressors associated with occupational injury. 63% of the workers reported injuries. Cuts were the chief injuries being reported. Poor work environment, machinery and tool characteristics, suffering from poor health and psycho-social stressors were associated with injury occurrence amongst automobile repair workers.

Contact dermatitis in car repair workers

Contact dermatitis in car repair workers

Contact dermatitis in car repair workers

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a common skin disorder with a poor prognosis. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the prevalence of CD among car repair workers, (2) study some risk factors associated with CD, and (3) conduct an intervention skin care education program. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 87 car repair workers with regular and direct exposure to chemicals at the industrial zone in Zagazig City, Egypt and 76 unexposed assembly booksellers. All workers were subjected to a questionnaire and clinical examination, and those who were diagnosed clinically as CD were patch tested. Intervention study with a skin care education program was carried out on 47 car repair workers. Re-evaluation of the intervention group after 5 months was done. The total prevalence of CD among car repair workers (18.4%) was significantly higher compared with their controls (3.9%), with the highest prevalence among car mechanics (24.1%) and painters (20.7%); 16.1% of them reported recurrent dermatitis in the last 12 months. Nickel accounted for most positive patch test reactions (33.3%). A significant association was noticed between the prevalence of CD and age, smoking, atopic background and duration of work. After the intervention study, a significantly higher knowledge level about CD was reported. The most important risk factors for OCD among the car repair workers are atopic background and long duration of work. Skin care education program is an important tool for prevention of CD and control of exposure to substances hazardous to the skin.

OCCUPATIONAL CONTACT DERMATITIS IN CAR REPAIR WORKERS AT THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE IN ZAGAZIG CITY

Background: Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a common skin disorder with a poor prognosis, resulting in a noteworthy economic impact for society & for an individual and amenable to public health interventions. Objectives: 1) determining the prevalence of contact dermatitis(CD)among car repair workers. 2) studying somerisk factors associated with CD and 3) Conducting an intervention skin care education program to control this problem and evaluate its impact on knowledge, attitude, symptoms and signs of CD. Subjects and methods: 1- A comparative cross-sectionalstudy was conducted on 87 car repair workers (29 car tinkers, 29 car mechanics and 29 car painters) with regular and direct exposure to chemical materials at the Industrial Zone in Zagazig City and non-exposed control group consisted of 76 booksellers. All workers were subjected to questionnaire, clinical examination and those who diagnosedclinically as CD were patch-tested. 2- Intervention study with a skin care education program was carried out on 47 car repair workers. Re-evaluation of the intervention group was done after 5 months as regard knowledge, attitude, symptoms and signs of CD. Results: The total prevalence of CD among car repair workers(18.4%) was significantly higher compared to their controls(3.9%), with the highest prevalence among car mechanics (24.1%), and car painters (20.7%). 16.1% of car repair workers reported recurrent dermatitis in the last 12 months. The most commonly affected areas were the fingers, webs and hands(81.3%). 40% of car repair CD cases found to have allergic CD and 60% have irritant CD. Nickel accounted for most positive patch test reactions (33.3%). Hammering, friction with repaired parts and sanding of painting parts with cementing the car body with pastes were the most important procedures at the workplace that start and worsen CD cases. The young car repair workers, who smoke and with past history of atopy had a significant high risk to develop CD. After the intervention study, a significantly higher knowledge level about CD causes, risk factors, prevention, with change in the attitude and behavior of workers and decreased in the reported symptoms and signs of CD. Conclusion and recommendations: Car repair workers are at high risk for OCD, irritant as well as allergic, due to exposure to various chemicals at work. Young age, smoking, atopy and duration of work are found to be risk factors for CD. Skin care education program is an important tool for primary prevention of CD and control ofexposure to substances hazardous to the skin. More long-term large-scale studies are needed to confirm further the cost-effectiveness of this and other skin protection programs.