فهرست مطالب

Iranian Journal of health, Safety and environment
Volume:6 Issue: 1, Winter 2019

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1397/11/15
  • تعداد عناوین: 9
|
  • Gbeminiyi Musibau Sobamowo Pages 1144-1157
    The advancements in technological innovations and the utilizations of some technological products or research outcomes have adversely affected the environment and in consequence, continuously pose serious threats to future survival of humans. To counter these assaults of the resultant environmental pollution and the threats of further degradation of the environment, the basic recommended approach for predicting the impact of the pollution and for the determination of the risk assessment strategies is through the use of mathematical models. In the list of various pollutants, carbon monoxide has been established as a major pollutant that seriously affects human health by converting the Oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) in the blood to carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Therefore, this paper presents mathematical models for the computations of carbon-monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin in the blood for the cases of humans under environmental and occupational exposures i.e. operating under continuous and periodic exposures to the pollutant. The developed models are solved analytically using Laplace transforms. The computed results show good agreement with the established experimental results. Using the percentage of COHb in the blood as a good index of health effects of carbon monoxide (CO) on humans, the computed COHb from the developed models is used to predict the effects of CO on human health. On the validation of the developed models, the computed results show good agreement with experimental results. Also, effects of the models parameters on the amount of COHb in the blood. This work will assist in evaluating the technological injuries, effectively controlling our pollutants emissions and also as a tool for designing and developing better equipment and engines with lower or zero emissions.
    Keywords: Mathematical Models, Carbon-Monoxide, Carboxyhemoglobin, Human Health Effects
  • Maryam Feiz, Arefi , Farshid Ghorbani, Shahna* , Abdulrahman Bahrami , Hossein Ebrahimi , Alireza Mahjub Pages 1158-1166
    Methyl benzene, which has carcinogenic effects, is a volatile organic compound that is widely used in various industries. Nano composites of Mno2/Al203/Fe203, which is a new photocatalyst, have not been applied to remove contaminants from air streams. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the photocatalytic removal of ethyl benzene by using this nano composite activated by visible light. Morphological characteristics of the synthesized Nano composite in a sol-gel method are determined through XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Through the photocatalyst process and by the use of visible light radiation, the synthesized Nano composite is used to degrade ethyl benzene in the gas phase. In order to estimate the main effects and interaction ones and to optimize the experiment numbers, the response surface method was used. Operational parameters investigated in the study are the initial concentration of contaminants, relative humidity, and the residence time, which were considered in three levels; further, the experiments were designed by Design Expert version 9 software. The results show the Nano composite particle sizes were less than 82 nanometers. The findings also indicate that relative humidity and residence time were effective parameters in removal efficiency of ethyl benzene. This Nano composite, at the optimal conditions, was capable of removing 98.72% of the pollutants, with an initial content of 300 ppm. MnO2/Al2O3/Fe2O3 Nano composite is a suitable catalyst to remove ethyl benzene from air streams. Among the features of the Nano composite are reaction at room temperature and lower production dangerous byproducts, which are the main advantages of this Nano composite as compared with other nano composites.
    Keywords: Nano-Composite, Ethyl benzene, Photocatalyst, MnO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3
  • Syedeh Zohreh Mosakazemi , Peivand Bastani , Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh , Mahmoudreza Peyravi Pages 1167-1174
    The words “look-alike” and “sound-alike” are used to express the confusion caused by drugs whose names or features are similar. Look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) drugs are one of the most common causes of medication errors. The emergency department is the first place where mistakes related to LASA drugs occur. Medicinal errors increase health care costs by about two billion dollars annually. This study examines the frequency of errors resulting from LASA drugs in the emergency department and identifies the main causes of these errors. This sectional analytical study was conducted in 2016 in the Namazi and Faghihi hospitals of Shiraz. The questionnaire was developed by the researcher and its validity was confirmed by the experts. The stratified sampling method was used and the sample size was determined to be 106 people, based on the Cochran formula. The data were analyzed using the software SPSS 20 by the Pearson correlation coefficient, the independent t-test, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Seventy-seven nurses stated that during the past six months they had made at least one error resulting from look-alike medication and a total of 132 errors were reported. The most common errors in medication related to ampoules and vials. The rate of errors was statistically significant in terms of marital status (p<0.05), work experience (p<0.0001) and age (p<0.0001). Providing training courses for recently appointed nurses, using experienced nurses in the emergency department can be an effective step toward reducing the errors relating to LASA drugs.
    Keywords: Medication Errors, Nurses, Hospitals, Patient Safety, Workload, LASA drugs
  • Morteza Cheraghi, Meysam Shahrabi Farahani, Seyyed Ali Moussavi Najarkola Pages 1175-1189
    One of the prevalent injurious factors and disabilities is work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the risks of ergonomic factors inducing musculoskeletal disorders consequent from industrial construction by means of PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) risk evaluation and MMH (Manual Material Handling). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 357 construction workers working in 21 different jobs of construction industry in Parand New City, south-west of Tehran, Iran. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. PATH was served to assess different body part postures such as back, feet, hands, also weight of tools and equipment and catching by hand (hand-catch). Most prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was around back (30.5%) and knee (28.9%), and in opposed side elbow (4.2%) respectively. The results of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) showed that there is meaningful relation through pain of neck, wrist, hand, back and knee with workers age and working experience (P<0.05). Also through the different jobs under study in PATH method, there is different significant statistical results (P<0.05) in the postures of back, feet and hands, tools & Equipment weight and hand-catch (grabbing or taking by hand). The non-neutral postures were observed in some parts such as back (more than 30%), feet (more than 40%) and hands (more than 15%). PATH can be referred as a sensitive and efficient risk evaluation technique in construction industry, as well as MMH is a complementary method for more precision assessment of manual material handling risks in jobs involved in PATH high scores.
    Keywords: Risk Evaluation, Ergonomic Risk Factors, Musculoskeletal Disorders, PATH, MMH, Construction Industry
  • Wayne Ganpat , Tasha Ragoobar , Gopalan Kathiravan Pages 1190-1198
    Inadequate waste disposal from an intensive piggery operation has resulted in community residents’ disquiet about the poor air quality. This study (I) assessed the air quality in the community and (II) quantified the extent of symptoms related to respiratory ailments among residents. Measurements, done in the experiment and control areas, included; aerial emission levels of hydrogen sulphide and ammonia and respiratory symptoms of a sample of 172 residents. Results showed that: the highest levels of gas were measured directly outside the farm and gradually decreased as measurements were taken further from the farm; hydrogen sulphide levels were slightly higher than that of the ammonia levels at all test times in experiment area; no gases were detected in the control area; the values for both ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in the experiment samples were significantly lower than that of the established NIOSH Time Weighted Averages; residents in the experiment area reported a higher severity of most symptoms. Recommendations included I) education for the community to enable them to understand the risks faced II) more frequent visits from government health officials and III) persuasion to have the owners of the piggery modify its farm practices and to engage industry best practices.
    Keywords: Pig Farming, Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulphide, Malodours, Respiratory Illness, Trinidad
  • Shahram Vosoughi*, Sajjad Rostamzadeh , Ali Asghar Farshad , Fereshteh Taheri , Hashem Vahabzadeh, Monshi Pages 1198-1205
    Exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is one of the most important risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which drivers are likely to report non-specific health complaints. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between whole body vibrations with musculoskeletal disorders among intercity mini-buses drivers.
    80 intercity mini-bus drivers were participated in this study. The values of the frequency-weighted Root Mean Square (RMS), Vibration Dose Values (VDV) and Crest Factor (CF) was measured using the SVAN-958 and the SV39A/L accelerometer, in accordance with ISO 2631-1. ANOVA, Post-hoc analysis, and correlation tests were used to analyze the obtained data using SPSS 23.
    This study show that the overall equivalent acceleration 𝐴𝑒𝑞(𝑇) difference in various studied models of minibuses was significant (P<0.01), so that the mini-buses model 2011 have the lowest acceleration (0.88 m/s2), whereas the 2009 model have the highest value (0.96 m/s2). POST hoc analysis and Bonferroni method show that there was a significant difference between three models of the mini-buses (P<0.01-F=4.90). Also, there was a significant correlation between pain in different areas of the body with values of exposure daily vibration, expressed in terms of 8-h, respectively (P<0.001).
    There was sufficient evidence to prove the relationships of whole body vibration with MSDs. In addition, the lifetime of minibuses production is introduced as one of the effective factors in transmitting vibration to drivers.

    Keywords: Upper Extremity, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Mini-Bus, Overall Equivalent Acceleration, Vibration Dose Value, Crest Factor
  • Farhad Ghayurdoost , Javad Mohammadi , Ali Assadi Pages 1206-1212
    Corrosion and scaling of piping are a main issue in the operation of the drinking water network. Corrosive water can cause the intrusion of heavy metals into water and can lead to affect public health. This study aims to present the corrosion and scaling potential of Zanjan drinking water network that is located in north west of Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using calculation of Langlier Saturation Index (LSI), Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), Puckorius Scaling Index (PSI), and Aggressiveness index (AI). Thirty six samples were taken from all over the city within two seasons, summer and autumn in 2016. To reach this goal following parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, calcium hardness, magnesium, total hardness, temperature and electrical conductivity (EC) in all samples were measured in the laboratory. The mean and standard deviation values of LSI, RSI, PSI and AI indices were equal to -0.62±0.18, 8.26±0.29, 8.04±0.51 and 11.5±0.24, respectively in summer and -0.83±0.12, 8.70±0.33, 8.00±0.29 and 11.15±0.25, respectively in autumn. According to all indices the results have shown that Zanjan drinking water is a mild corrosive. Finally, it is recommended that water authorities must be adjusted effective parameters such as pH of treated water at the beginning of the network in order to corrosion control.

     
    Keywords: Drinking Water Network, Saturation Indices, Corrosion, Scaling Potential
  • Ahmad Ahmadi Teymourlouy* , Hesam Seyedin , Reza Fadaye, Vatan , Amir Omrani Pages 1213-1220
    Iran, like many other countries, is experiencing a growing elderly population. In 2016 census in Iran, out of a population of 79,926,270 people, more than 6 million people (8.2% of the population) were 60 years and over. This can be a major challenge for both healthcare providers and senior patients. This study assesses the suitability of the design, safety, physical environment and systems of Iranian hospitals based on age-friendly design principles.
    In this descriptive research, 26 hospitals in Tehran were selected and examined. Data were collected using a valid and reliable checklist with 50 items assessing the physical environment, accessibility, service delivery, and management systems of the hospitals.
    The results showed that 96 % of hospitals have wide corridors, 88% have suitable lighting, 85% have ramps for wheelchair users and railings for staircases, but 58% do not have an alarm in each toilet. It can be said that the majority of the hospitals were in a relatively good condition in terms of safety of the physical environment, but resource management and special programs and healthcare systems for the elderly were in a poor condition.
    Given the rising elderly population in developing countries such as Iran, it is imperative to create elder-friendly environments and programs. The increasing demand for hospital beds necessitates special care be given to elder-friendly principles in the design and construction of new hospitals as well as the renewal of existing ones. It is also vital to carefully consider the health, safety and special needs of older patients in design and construction of new hospitals as well as the renewal of existing ones and developing health policies at the macro, meso and micro level, especially as they relate to inpatient and outpatient services.
    Keywords: Elder-Friendly Hospitals, Safety, Elder-Friendly Principles, Physical Environment of Hospitals, Healthcare Services
  • Ayoub Ghanbary Sartang , Behnam Haghshanas* , Ehsanollah Habibi , Mahboobe Abedi Pages 1221-1225
    Mental workload reflects the level of attention resources required to meet both objective and subjective performance criteria, which may be affected by task demand, external support and past experience. Mental workload and occupational fatigue have been commonly cited as a major cause of workplace accidents. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between workload and occupational fatigue in the administrative staffs of a communications service company in Tehran. In this study, 94 employees of the administrative service (69 female and 25 male) were provided with a demographic characteristics questionnaire including age, body mass index (BMI), level of education and work experience. Then the Swedish occupational fatigue inventory questionnaire was used to determine the job fatigue. The NASA-TLX mental workload questionnaire used for assessing mental workload. Finally, Data were analyzed by SPSS Version 20, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test and ANOVA test. Results showed that NASA-TLX mental workload in female (59.14) is more than from male (54.56). Also result showed Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI) in female (30.12) is more than from Male (28.12). Also, the Pearson correlation test showed that there is a significant correlation between NASA-TLX and SOFI (r = 0.76, P<0.0001) as the mental workload increase, occupational fatigue increased. In other words, as the mental workload increase, occupational fatigue increased. The result of a recent study showed the significance correlation between the mental workload and occupational fatigue in the administrative staff that with mental workload increase, occupational fatigue increased.
    Keywords: Mental Workload, Occupational Fatigue, Administrative Staff