Blood Pressure Work Research Articles

Mediating effect of oxidative stress on blood pressure elevation in workers exposed to low concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX).

To investigate the mediating effect of oxidative stress on the relationships between low-concentration benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) exposure and blood pressure in workers. A cross-sectional study involving 841 workers from a petroleum refining enterprise in Hainan, China, was conducted. Among the workers, 615 workers were exposed to low-concentration BTX, and 216 workers were in the control group. S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), hippuric acid (HA), and methyl hippuric acid (MHA, including the three isomers 2-MHA, 3-MHA, and 4-MHA) were measured in the urine of workers via high-performance liquid chromatography‒tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to assess the internal BTX burden. Oxidative stress markers, blood pressure, and their correlations were analysed in both the exposed and control groups of workers. Mediation analysis was used to investigate the potential role of oxidative stress in the relationship between BTX exposure and blood pressure. The concentrations of BTX at the sampling points in the enterprise were all below the limits stipulated in China's national occupational health criteria: occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents. With respect to the internal burden of BTX, the concentrations of the benzene metabolite S-PMA, the toluene metabolite HA, and the xylene metabolites 3-MHA and 4-MHA in the urine samples in the exposure group were greater than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis results revealed that the concentration of the benzene metabolite S-PMA in workers' urine was positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.265, P < 0.05). Compared with those in the control group, DBP was greater (β = 1.363, 95% CI 0.088 -2.639), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was lower (β = - 0.037, 95% CI - 0.060 to - 0.013), and the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was greater (β = 0.066, 95% CI 0.022-0.110) in the exposure group. Partial correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between DBP and MDA (rs = 0.115, P < 0.01). The results of the mediation analysis indicated that MDA was a complete mediator between low BTX exposure and DBP (P < 0.05). Occupational exposure to low concentrations of BTX elevates blood pressure and oxidative stress among workers. A positive correlation between DBP and MDA was observed, with MDA acting as a complete mediator between low-concentration BTX exposure and DBP elevation.

The relationship between noise pollution and blood pressure: A study on field workers at unit plan chemical industry company

Workers chemical companies employed at these facilities are exposed to inherent occupatioanl health hazards, including occupational noise. Noise was considered disruptive because its presence was unwanted. The production process was one of the main sources of noise pollution that could disrupt health. Noise exceeding the Threshold Limit Value would cause abnormal blood pressure, as occupational noise was a risk factor for hypertension. This study aimed to identify the relationship between noise pollution and blood pressure. This research was an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample was obtained using proportional random sampling technique, comprising 95 samples from a population of 128. Of the 95 participants (median age &lt;40 years;87,4%), 20%(19/95) had abnormal blood preassure, used PPE (60%) and 32,6%(31/64) wereexposed to high noise. The results of this study revealed a significant relationship with abnormal blood pressure experienced by Unit Plan field workers (p=0.019). Based on the research, it was found that high noise intensity coupled with not using PPE could increase the risk of abnormal blood pressure in workers.

Analysis of Noise Intensity in the Work Environment as a Risk Factor for Increased Blood Pressure in Workers

Analysis of Noise Intensity in the Work Environment as a Risk Factor for Increased Blood Pressure in Workers

Analysis of Noise Intensity in the Work Environment as a Risk Factor for Increased Blood Pressure in Workers

Analysis of Noise Intensity in the Work Environment as a Risk Factor for Increased Blood Pressure in Workers

INFLUENCE OF INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS, BEHAVIOR AND NOISE INTENSITY ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN PONOROGO PLASTIC INDUSTRY’S WORKERS

Background: Noise is an unwanted sound that can be caused by any human activity. Continuous use of machines that produce noise in the work environment will have a negative impact on workers, for example is increasing blood pressure. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the influence of individual characteristics, behavior and noise intensity on increasing blood pressure in workers in the Ponorogo’s plastic industry. Methods: The study used prospective cohort design. The sample of the study was 32 respondents who received continuous noise exposure from injection machine for 8 hours/ day. The variables include individual characteristics, behavior, noise intensity, and increased blood pressure. The data were analyzed using SPSS with paired sample t-test and multiple linear regression. Results: The result showed that the average increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after working is 5.75 mmHg and 5.31 mmHg. If analyzed by statistical paired t-test, the significance value of p = 0.00 &lt; α = 0.05 is obtained. Furthermore, multiple linear regression test is used for variables of individual characteristics, behavior and noise intensity on increasing blood pressure showing a significance value of 0.00 &lt;0.05 and F count (6.79 and 6.32) &gt; F table (2.49). Conclusion: Individual characteristics, behavior and noise intensity have an effect on increasing blood pressure in workers in the Ponorogo’s plastic industry. Medical checkup and ear protection equipment are needed for workers.

P04-10 The Physical activity health paradox - what do we know about physiological mechanisms? (editorial)

There is strong and consistent evidence that leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Less is known about health effects of occupational physical activity (OPA), and results are not in favor of a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health. Several large-scale prospective studies have found that high occupational physical activity (OPA) is associated with detrimental or no effects on cardiovascular health and mortality. These contrasting associations with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for LTPA and OPA have coined ‘The Physical activity health paradox'. Although the underlying physiological mechanisms are not established, a theoretical framework was proposed by Holtermann and colleagues (2018). This framework suggests that due to the nature of OPA (i.e. low intensity, long duration, constrained postures, and limited recovery), it may not result in healthy adaptation to the same extent as LTPA, or even lead to unhealthy responses, such as elevated 24-hour heart rate and blood pressure and increased inflammation. Drawing on theoretical models and empirical findings, the aim is to summarize the literature regarding potential physiological mediators of the physical activity health paradox. This also includes a brief summary of our own research based on accelerometer measurements of physical activity with cardiovascular regulation assessed by heart rate and blood pressure in workers with low occupational class and manual work.

The Effect of Noise on Hearing Loss and Blood Pressure of Workers in a Steel Industry in the Southwest of Iran

Introduction: Today, it is well-established that, in addition to hearing loss, noise affects the natural physiological functions of the body. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of noise on hearing loss and blood pressure in workers of a steel industry in southwest of Iran.&#x0D; Methods: This study was performed on 54 steel workers. Dosimetry was performed using TES 1358 sound meter and Beurer BC16 blood pressure monitor, respectively. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 24 software at the significant level of 0.05.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant relationship between hearing loss and sound pressure level in each of the case and control groups (P&lt; 0.05). Despite the significant relationship between hearing loss and age, (P˂0.05), there was no significant relationship between the work experience variable and hearing loss (P&gt; 0.05). Age and work experience had a significant relationship with hearing loss at some frequencies under the study (P˂0.05). There was also a significant difference between the mean of blood pressure in the case and control group (P˂0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that exposure to noise increased blood pressure in individuals and the effects of exposure intensified with age. Therefore, control measures such as reducing sound pressure level, training programs and regular screening of the workers' blood pressure are recommended to reduce the effects of noise.

Tingkat Aktivitas Fisik Berhubungan dengan Tekanan Darah Pekerja di Rumah Selama Masa Pandemi COVID-19

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which a person experiences an increase in blood pressure above normal where the systolic pressure reaches 140 mmHg and the diastolic pressure reaches 90 mmHg. One of the factors that influence hypertension is physical activity. Physical activity can be done at home, at work, at school and can do activities to fill spare time. Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of suffering from hypertension. This study aims to determine the relationship of physical activity levels with blood pressure in workers who working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research method was correlation analytics with cross sectional approach. The research sample numbered 68 people using sampling probability sampling technique. Data was collected by instruments IPAQ questionnaires and blood pressure measurements using sphygmomanometer. The results showed that most respondents had moderate physical activity in 31 people (45.6%) and blood pressure of respondents in the normal category of 26 people (38.2%). The test results used spearman rank with a value of 0.004 &lt; α (0.05) and a value of r = -0.348 The correlation is negative, which means that the higher the level of physical activity, the lower the blood pressure. It can be concluded that there is a relationship between the level of physical activity and blood pressure in workers who work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Seririt Village area in 2021.

Relationship of Noise and Individual Characteristics with Blood Pressure of Workers in the Production Area of a Heavy Equipment Component Company in Tegal

Introduction: Noise is any unwanted sound in the work environment that comes from production machines that can cause various health problems. Noise can also cause an increase in blood pressure as a physiological reaction of the body. Apart from the noise factor, an increase in workers' blood pressure can also be triggered by several factors such as worker characteristics (worker’s nutritional status, work experience and work duration). The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is a relationship between noise and worker characteristics and blood pressure. Methods: The design of this study was cross-sectional with a descriptive observational method. The sample in this study was the total population of workers in the company's production area, as many as 42 respondents. Workers' blood pressure was measured before and after work, work environment noise was measured using sound level meter, and questionnaires were used to determine individual characteristics. Results: The increase in blood pressure before and after work occurred most in the unit with the highest noise intensity. The increase in blood pressure before and after work also occurred in the categories of the longest work period and the longest work duration in a day. Conclusion: There was a strong correlation between noise and systolic blood and a weak relationship with diastole. Nutritional status had a weak relationship with blood pressure. Period of work and blood pressure had a moderate relationship, and duration of work and blood pressure had a strong relationship. Keywords: blood pressure, individual characteristics, noise

Investigating the effects of occupational and environmental noise on cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present study aimed to use a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between occupational and non-occupational noise exposure expressed in various studies with cardiovascular disease. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study based on PRISMA checklist. In this study, the researchers searched five international databases of Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ISI/web of knowledge, and Google Scholar. Search keywords included two categories noise and noise pollution, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to review and control the quality of the articles. After all screening stage 139 articles entered the final analysis. The results show that except for East African environmental studies and workplace studies in East Asia, Western Asia, and Northern Europe, there was a significant association between noise exposure and cardiovascular disease. Also, there was a significant difference between the intensity of sound and blood pressure in workers (OR = 1.28, CI 95%: 1.15-1.42, P < 0.001). Based on the results of environmental noise, there was a significant difference between ambient noise intensity and blood pressure (OR = 1.55, CI 95%: 1.53-1.57, P < 0.001). It can be concluded that it is very important to study and identify jobs or living environments with less than the recommended noise level and in addition to hearing aids that occur in over-standard exposures, such as cardiovascular disease.

The Effect of High Temperature on Cardiovascular Autonomic Function Tests in Steel Plant Furnace Worker

Background:The high temperature in the working environment could be one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in steel plant workers. The excessive high temperature at the working place leads to altered autonomic activity and is related to more cardiovascular risk.Aims and Objectives:The effect of high temperature on cardiovascular autonomic function tests in steel plant furnace worker.Material and Method:This was a case-control study for which 50 steel plant furnace workers and 50 controls were selected. The cardiovascular sympathetic function status in worker and control were analyzed by three tests: (i) Blood pressure (BP) response to sustained isometric handgrip test, (ii) BP response to the cold pressor test, and (iii) BP response to standing from a supine position (orthostasis). Statistical analysis was done by using an independent t-test.Results:Diastolic BP (DBP) response to sustained isometric handgrip and systolic BP (SBP) and DBP response to the cold pressor test showed that the increase BP in workers were more than controls but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). SBP response to standing from the supine position showed statistically significant (P < 0.001) greater fall in steel plant workers.Conclusion:The sympathetic autonomic dysfunction was seen in steel furnace workers in response to environmental stressor–excessive heat.

The Analysis of Differences in Body Temperature and Blood Pressure Before and After Exposure to Hot Work Climates

Introduction: Working in a hot work environment has a negative impact on occupational health and safety. The impact on health due to work at temperatures above a comfortable temperature can affect body temperature and blood pressure of workers. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in body temperature and blood pressure of workers before and after exposure to hot work climates at PT. Pertamina (Persero) Tanjung Wangi. Method: This research was an observational study with cross sectional approach. The population of this study was all workers at PT. Pertamina (Persero) Tanjung Wangi., with the total of 11 people. The sample in this study was obtained by total sampling method with a sample of 11 workers. The dependent variables in this study were body temperature, blood pressure, age, fluid intake, and nutritional status, while the independent variable was work climate. Results: Most of the grass lathe workers at PT. Pertamina (Persero) Tanjung Wangi has an age between 17-25 years, some of the grass lathe workers had a fluid intake with less categories with normal nutritional status. The measurement results showed that the average ISBB value was 28.8°C, this value still exceeded TLV. In addition, the results showed that there were differences in body temperature before and after work, from 36.04° C to 36.8° C. In addition there were differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure before work which was 112.7 mm Hg 77.3 mm Hg, and the average after work was 121 mm Hg and 83.6 mm Hg. Conclusion: There is a difference between body temperature and blood pressure before and after exposure to hot work climates.Keywords: blood pressure, body temperature, hot work climate

Relationship between Noise Annoyance and High Blood Pressure in Workers Exposed to Chronic Noise Among the Workers of an Automotive Industry.

Background:Chronic exposure to noise in workplaces is one of the most important physical agents that affects workers’ health and causes social and individual problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between noise annoyance and blood pressure (BP) of workers of an automotive industry.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 250 workers were randomly selected. The subjects were classified in two groups based on the exposure to sound pressure levels lower and higher than 85 dB (106 and 144 workers, respectively). In this study, BP was measured using an ALPK2 mercury pressure gauge. To measure annoyance levels, an annoyance questionnaire containing a numerical question numbered 0–11 was used.Results:The mean age of the subjects was 36.19 (±3.75) years. The results showed that the systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the subjects exposed to the sound pressure levels higher than 85 dB were significantly higher than those exposed to a sound pressure level lower than 85 dB (P < 0.01). Also, the results of the multivariate regression showed a significant relationship between the annoyance and DBP and SBP caused by chronic exposure to noise and sound pressure levels (P < 0.01).Conclusion:The results of this study showed that the annoyance caused by exposure to chronic noise in the workplace causes stress in the workers and, in the long term, could increase the risk of high SBP and DBP.

Effect of night shift work on the control of hypertension and diabetes in workers taking medication.

BackgroundNight shift work induces physiological and psychological stress by altering sleep and biological rhythms and is associated with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Few studies have been conducted on the control of hypertension and diabetes. This study aimed to examine the effect of night shift work on the control rate of hypertension and diabetes.MethodsSubjects comprised workers aged 20–65 years who underwent specific health examination at a single facility in seven different affiliated examination centers from 1 January to 31 December 2016. Workers were categorised into day workers and night shift workers. Demographic and medical history were taken, and physical examination was done. Blood pressure (BP) and fasting glucose were measured. The control rate of each disease was evaluated based on treatment goals presented in the treatment guidelines of the Korean Society of Hypertension and the Korean Diabetes Association (systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg; fasting glucose ≤ 130 mg/dL).ResultsAmong 631,418 subjects, 11.2% (70,450) were night shift workers. Of whom 6.1% (4,319) were taking antihypertensive medication and 2.5% (1,775) were taking diabetes medication. Among patients taking antihypertensive medications, the proportion of those whose BP was controlled to suit treatment goals was 81.7% (26,635) of day workers and 77.4% (3,343) of night shift workers, which was significantly different (p < 0.001). Among patients taking diabetes medications, the proportion of those whose blood glucose was controlled to suit treatment goals was 37.4% (4,489) of day workers and 36.5% (647) of night shift workers, but the difference was not significant. The control rates for patients taking antihypertensive medications (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68–0.80) were lower among night shift workers than day workers with adjustment for age, sex, smoking history, alcohol consumption, exercise, and obesity. However, there were no differences in control rates for patients taking diabetes medications (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.87–1.10) between day workers and night shift workers.ConclusionsNight shift work can have an effect on the uncontrolled BP in workers taking antihypertensive medications. Therefore, additional efforts for disease control are necessary for night shift workers with hypertension.

The association between cadmium and lead exposure and blood pressure among workers of a smelting industry: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLead and cadmium are harmful heavy metals that are used for a variety of occupational purposes. Considering their potentially hazardous effects on health, studies on the association between exposure to these two heavy metals and health disorders have been actively conducted. This study aimed to determine the association between blood lead and cadmium levels and blood pressure in workers exposed to lead and cadmium in a smelter.MethodsNine hundred and sixty-three male workers who worked in a smelter, and underwent medical examinations at the Ulsan University Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2014, were selected as participants. Among them, 310 subjects whose data on height, weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and blood lead and cadmium levels were available and who answered the questionnaire were selected as the final participants. We investigated the drinking habit, smoking status, exercise adequacy, and family history of hypertension of these workers using formal questionnaires. A statistical analysis was conducted using Student’s t-test, analysis of variance, and linear or logistic regression.ResultsThe association between blood lead and cadmium levels and blood pressure was analyzed through statistical adjustment of the risk factors of hypertension. Results showed an association between blood cadmium level and blood pressure elevation. However, blood lead level was found to be not correlated with blood pressure elevation.ConclusionsThis study shows the association between blood cadmium level and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) elevation.Trial registrationIRB No. 2017–03-037. Retrospectively Registered 30 March 2017.

Recovery of hemoglobin level and blood pressure in workers unfit for duties at high altitude following relocation

Objective: To determine the hemoglobin level and blood pressure and the factors that influence their recovery in relocated workers who were unfit for duties at high altitude. Methods: The physical examination data of 693 relocated workers who previously worked at high altitude were dynamically monitored from January 2006 to June 2015 in order to examine the recovery of hemoglobin level and blood pressure. Results: The rate of hemoglobin recovery was 81.37% among the 161 relocated workers with abnormal hemoglobin levels, and the rate of blood pressure recovery was 69.51% among the 164 relocated workers with abnormal blood pressure. The rates of hemoglobin and blood pressure recovery were decreased in individuals aged 40 years and older. The peak recovery time of hemoglobin was 11-15 months following relocation, and that of blood pressure was 5-7 months and 11-13 months following relocation. The half-year blood pressure recovery rate and 2-year hemoglobin recovery rate following relocation were significantly higher in workers who worked at 2500-3000 m altitude than in those at ≥3000 m (P<0.05) . Total cholesterol and educational level were factors that influence the half-year blood pressure recovery in relocated workers (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rate of hemoglobin and blood pressure recovery are high among relocated workers who previously worked at high altitude. Factors that influence blood pressure, such as total cholesterol, should be closely monitored so that high-altitude workers with abnormal blood pressure and hemoglobin level can be relocated as early as possible.

Assessment of Effectiveness of Cool Coat in Reducing Heat Strain among Workers in Steel Industry.

A research study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of cool coat in reducing heat strain among workers exposed to heat in a steel plant located in south India. The study consists of assessing heat strain of workers exposed to heat in a steel plant by measuring physiological reactions of workers such as pulse rate and core body temperature with and without cool coat. The coal coat taken for this study was procured from M/s Yamuna Industries, Noida. Out of 140 employees exposed to heat hazard, 101 employees were examined in this study. Study was done in important production units in steel plant having heat hazard. Workers were interviewed and examined and information regarding thermal comfort was collected. First, the heat strain was assessed when the workers were not using cool coats. The air temperature was measured at all hot zone workplaces and found in the range of 34 0 C to 39.4 0 C (Mean: 36.54 0 C & S.D: 1.54). Physiological response such as core body temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure of workers exposed to heat hazard were measured before & after work to know the heat strain sustained by workers when they were working. Maximum core body temperature after work was found to be 39.3 0 C (Mean; 38.52 & S.D; 0.7). Maximum pulse rate of workers after work was found to be 120 beats/minute (Mean; 94.96 beats/minute, S.D: 13.11). The study indicate core body temperature of workers was found more than the permissible exposure limit prescribed by ACGIH, indicating the heat strain sustained by workers is significant, whereas the pulse rate and blood pressure was found normal & not exceeded the limits. Second, with cool coat, the heat strain was assessed among 10 workers selected from the 101 employees. Core body temperature was measured before and soon after work, The core body temperature recorded soon after work was in the range of 35.5 - 37.20C (Mean 36.36, SD= 0.52), indicating a drop in the core body temperature. In this study, a core body temperature rise in the range of 1 0 -1.4 0 C was noticed when the employees were not wearing cool coats. Whereas, with the usage of cool coat a rise in core body temperature was not found and in many coat wearing workers a drop in core body temperature (0.2 to 0.9 0 C) was noticed. Employees revealed that the cool coats was comfortable to use and provided the thermal comforts. The study concluded that the cool coat taken for this study was found effective in reducing the heat strain.

The Relationship between Snoring Sound Intensity and Morning Blood Pressure in Workers.

This study aimed to determine the consequences of snoring independent of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypothesized that snoring sound intensity, as assessed by mean tracheal sound (TS) energy (Leq), is related to morning blood pressure (BP). A home-based TS monitoring study was performed for two nights on 191 workers in Japan using an IC recorder. Leq and the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) were calculated from the TS data. RDI was used as a marker of OSA severity. Systolic and diastolic BP measurements in the evening and morning (eSBP/eDBP and mSBP/mDBP, respectively) were done before and after TS recording. The data of the second night were analyzed. Leq was significantly related to both mSBP and mDBP (r = 0.32, p < 0.0001; r = 0.34, p < 0.0001, respectively). Leq was also significantly related to morning BP after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. However, the relationship was no longer significant when both RDI and Leq were included in the multiple regression model. In non-apneic, non-obese subjects, Leq was significantly related to both mSBP and mDBP (r = 0.38, p < 0.0001; r = 0.33, p = 0.0004, respectively). In this group, Leq was associated with mSBP after adjusting for all confounding factors (n = 106, p = 0.022). The association between night TS intensity and morning BP suggests a pathological role of heavy snoring. To understand this association, a prospective cohort study in a general population is warranted. A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1581.

Assessing the Effect of Simultaneous Exposure to Noise and Cigarette Smoke on Workers' Blood Pressure.

Noise, as the most common pollutant in the industrial environment, can lead to hearing loss and negatively affect other organs such as the cardiovascular system. Cigarette smoking is a popular habit among some workers, and can also have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of simultaneous exposure to noise and cigarette smoke on the blood pressure of workers at a manufacturing factory. This cross-sectional study enrolled 604 workers at a steel factory. Information relating to workers' demography, employment, and risk factors were recorded. Based on the level of smoking per day, workers exposed to noise fell into one of the four following groups: 1) Non-smokers exposed to noise <85 DB; 2) Smokers exposed to noise <85 DB; 3) Non-smokers exposed to noise ≥85 DB; 4) Smokers exposed to noise ≥85 DB. A t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression were applied for analysis using SPSS v11.5. The prevalence of hypertension, cigarette smoking, and exposure to noise ≥85 DB was 11.6%, 15.3%, and 56.4%, respectively, among the workers. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 112.3 and 73.9 mmHg, respectively. A significant difference was observed between systolic and diastolic blood pressures in four groups (P=0.001). Posthoc test showed a significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (P=0.001). Regression analysis indicated no significant difference in workers who were simultaneously exposed to noise and cigarette smoke. This study demonstrates that noise is an important factor in terms of hypertension, with no significant differences observed in the prevalence of hypertension between workers who were simultaneously exposed to noise and cigarette smoke. It is suggested that workers' blood pressure should be regularly monitored in noisy environments.

Effect of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter on Blood Pressure of Sand Stone Mine Workers: A case study

The workers were selected for the study from various stone quarries around Jodhpur city of Rajasthan state in India. The selection of workers was based upon the exposure duration, type of work, socioeconomic factor, and previous diseases. The workers having hereditary respiratory & cardiovascular problems were not taken for study. Only male workers have been considered in this study .The workers were divided in three categories depending upon the type of their work and exposure to particulate concentration. These categories are: Labour (particulate concentration category-1), Dresser (particulate concentration category-2), and Driller (particulate concentration category-3). Similarly the exposure duration is divided in four categories: category -1 (exposure duration 0-5 years), category -2 (exposure duration 5-10 years), category -3 (exposure duration 10-15 years), category -4 (exposure duration >15 years). of particulate matter for different activities ( drilling, dressing, general quarry environment) were measured with the help Respirable High volume sampler. The blood pressure of the workers were measured with the help of Multi-Parameter Monitor. It is clear from the observation & analysis that increase in exposure duration and RSPM concentration is responsible for increase in SBP/ DBP. It is clear from the statistical analysis that two independent variables Exposure Duration and Particulate Concentration jointly account for the variation in ISBP upto 80.5% and remaining 19.5 % variation is due to other reasons. It also indicates that these two independent variables jointly account for the variation in IDBP upto 95.9 % and remaining rest 4.1 % variation is due to other reasons. study indicates that increase in DBP is closely associated with the exposure duration and exposure concentration.