STUDY ON THE NEED OF HEALTH PROMOTION AND HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN A COMMUNITYWITH OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS – LEAD EXPOSURE
Abstract:
Health education represents a fundamental tool in the prevention of the occupational diseases.
We performed a transversal study on 233 subjects, employed on a lead battery manufacturing plant (in
lead battery industry). We quantified the risk factors for lead intoxication, factors that can be due to
employee behaviours, production facilities, tasks and working environment. Lead-in-air concentrations
has been increased but not correlated with the levels of lead in the blood of exposed workers. The
average blood lead level was of 34,24 μg/dl. Fifty-six (24.04%) had a record of increased blood lead
level. (blood lead level was more than 40 μg/dl). Workers had lacked knowledge about the toxicity of
lead and protection against it. Inadequate personal hygiene and working habits (smoking) and poor
work practices were correlated with high blood lead level. Occupational health education programs,
social marketing and rigorous safety briefings are necessary for reducing blood lead level effectively.
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