Journal of Translational Medical Research

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  Background and Aim: Breathing exposure to cement dust containing an amount of heavy metal compounds has many different local and systemic effects. The aim of the present study was to survey the extent of cement factory workers' pulmonary exposure to metal ions (Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium and Nickel).

  Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional research, environmental sampling of the factory's packing section was performed to monitor metal ions in the air and fluid in a condition similar to that of the lungs. Data analysis was done using SPSS software (version 11.5) at the significant level of P<0.05.

  Results: Comparing mean concentration of the studied metals with their maximum threshold level showed that it was less than the level (P<0.05). Maximum metal ion concentration in the air was that of Chromium (1.75 µg/m³) and the minimum concentration belonged to Cadmium (0.01 µg/m³). The level of metal ions of Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium and Nickel in the floating particulates of the packing section was 0.74±0.41, 9.31±3.38, 81.96±53.35, 32.5±27.83 and the amount of the extracted metals with the simulated alveoli fluid from the samples of the air in the packing section of the factory in the in-vitro were 0.006±0.002, 0.02±0.009, 0.53±0.12, and 0.14±0.03 µg/g of the collected air dust, respectively. The result of Spearman's correlation coefficient test showed that the relationship between meal ions concentration in the air and the amount of simulated liquid was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

  Conclusion: Although there was not any significant relationship between the amount of metal ions in the air and the simulated fluid, it is essential to investigate these exposures because of the high percentage of Cadmium solubility under simulated lung alveoli conditions.

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Background and Aim: Noise pollution is recognized as a major problem in urban areas. Therefore, the current study was aimed to determine noise pollution indices in Birjand old districts. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional and analytical-descriptive study, noise measurement was performed by means of "CEL" sound level meter (model 450.490). Equivalent noise level "Leq 10 min" was measured within four daily periods and within two periods at night, according to the procedures recommended by BS 7445-1-2003, as well as BS 7445-3-1991 standard, at each station. The obtained data was analysed using SPSS software (v 16) by means of statistical tests Pearson and T-test Results: The findings of the study showed that day-night mean sound level (Ldn) was significantly higher than the standard level in all stations (P>0.05). The highest day–night mean sound level and maximum noise level belonged to Motahhary street (72.2 dB) and Taleghani street (85.9 dB). There were signifigant differences between day-night mean sound level and maximum allowable threshold in working day (P<0.005) and holiday (P<0.005). Conclusion: Since the level of noise pollution is critical especially along Taleghani Street which passes right through the city and along Emam Reza Hospital, as a sensitive area, it is necessary to design and apply suitable measurements, as well as to consider the level of their effectiveness in order to decrease noise pollution.

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Background and Aim: Noise is the most common source of environmental stress that influences negatively the psychological and physiological aspects of human. The purpose of this study was determining the noise sources and assessing in General Intensive Care Unit. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, equivalent noise level "Leq 15 min", Maximum and Minimum sound pressure level were measured on 5 stations, during the all of day and night shifts period in different place including corridor, nursing station, rest room and hospitalization parts. The data were processed by means of SPSS and Excel software. Results: Mean sound pressure level for GICU was 60.9±1/6 dBA that is more than the standard level. The mean of maximum noise level was obtained 82.5±2 dBA and the highest noise level was measured at nursing station. There was significant difference in Noise Pollution level based on different months, level of patient's conciseness and number of ventilator using (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Being more noise pollution in the ICU and stations on all shifts may cause to diminish health and well-being of the staff in long-term and produce some problems for the patient. According to the highest level of noise produced in nursing stations and the different activities doing by the staff as a main noise pollution factor, it's necessary to perform required training in relationship with doing the works in right manner so that we can produce quiet and silence environment for patience.