HEALTH PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION IN DIESEL BUS GARAGES

Abstract

An environmental and a health survey of two diesel bus garages in Alexandria (Egypt) have shown an air pollution problem due to the exhaust of engines containing SO2, NO2, aldehydes and hydrocarbons within permissible levels and a relatively higher concentration of smoke. The examination of workers revealed the occurrence of upper respiratory tract disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, peptic ulcer, gastritis and high blood pressure in prevalences higher than expected.
Respiratory diseases were probably due to a synergistic effect of smoke and irritants as well as the presence of acrolein and adsorbed hydrocarbons and the smoking habits of workers. Cases of chronic dyspepsia and peptic ulcers were probably related to the nervous tension of night shifts, and other factors as the irregularity of meals and the probable swallowing of dissolved irritants. The blood pressure was relatively "higher" among night shift workers.
Although air pollution could physically be within permissible levels for its individual components, a prolonged exposure associated with synergism of different irritants and smoking may lead to actual pathological damage. Night shifts are considered a stress of considerable effect on health. Psychosomatic disorders could occur particularly if those workers are simultaneously exposed to other physical stresses.