Clinical Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometric Parameters among Tile Manufacturing Factory Workers, Yazd, Iran

Background & Aims of the Study: Respiratory diseases are considered as the most important occupational diseases and the absence in the workplaces. Workers in the tile and ceramic industries are exposed to high concentrations of dusts. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulmonary reactions and pulmonary function tests associated with exposure to dust among workers of a tile industry, Yazd, Iran. Materials & Methods: This research was designed as a cross-sectional research. All workers (n=26) working in the press and spray halls were considered as exposed (case) group. Also 17 unexposed workers (control group) were selected for interview as well as respiratory symptom questionnaires were administered to them. Demographic data and lung function tests of participants were gathered and analyzed. Results: Demographic and socioeconomic variables of both groups were similar (p>0.05). Total dust and respirable dust were measured in the exposed group equals to 29.94&plusmn;10.24 and 17.69&plusmn;7.57. Total dust and respirable dust in the control group were measured equals to 3.94&plusmn;2.62 and 1.73&plusmn;4.7 respectively. The results were different significantly (p<0.05). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was 11.5-38.5%. These symptoms in case group compared to control group, had higher prevalence of cough, phlegm. The results were significantly increased in exposed workers than unexposed workers (p<0.05). Decrease in pulmonary function test was significantly higher in exposed workers than unexposed workers (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our finding revealed that a clear link exists between high levels of airborne dust and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers. Based on this fact and in order to reduce pulmonary complications, preventive measures plan in the factory, such as technical measures (suitable ventilation system) and training programs about the proper using of personal protective equipment should be considered

Investigation of Color Blindness Prevalence among Students of Yazd Medical Sciences Universities

Introduction:&nbsp; Due to the importance of color blindness and its impact on the depth and quality of students, this study aimed to survey the Frequency of red-green color blindness among students of Yazd Medical Sciences Universities. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out with easy sampling method among all male students (483) and female students (1016) from Yazd Medical Sciences Universities using Ishihara diagnostic Test. Data were analyzed with SPSS18 software and statistical tests of normal distribution and T-test were used. Results: The study showed that 23 boy students (4.76%) were color blind. Among them13 boys (2.48%) were deuteranomaly and 4 boys (83%) were Deuteranopia, 5 boys (1.03%) were Protanomali, 1 boy (21%) was Protanopia and (21%) were total color blind. Furthermore, 7 girl students (69%) had color vision deficiency. It was observed that 3 girls (30%) were deuteranomaly and 2 girls (19%) were Deuteranopia, 2 girls (19%) were Protanomali and there was no total color blindness in the female students group. Conclusion: There was a significant percentage of color vision deficiency in both groups; however, it was more in male students. Indeed, 74% of them did not know their color blindness. Knowing this fact can help them to choose a better career and specialized discipline. It is suggested that color blind people choose jobs that do not require accurate color recognition, or ask for help from other people to choose the correct color