Fahed S. Hamdan, Nizam M. El-Ashgar and Alaa M A Musalam
Abstract
Limestone-cutting is one of the most important industries in the Gaza Strip that uses
natural stone, but it is also the most likely to cause dust emissions. This study aims to
identify the respiratory health risks that affect the limestone-cutting workers and to
identify factors related to the abnormal breathing among workers in marble workshops in
the Gaza Strip, southern Palestine. Personal variables and their relationship to abnormal
breathing were identified.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on (30) persons working in marble workshops in
the Gaza Strip. The study data were collected using questionnaires and interviewing tools
with the workers, as well as conducting some clinical tests to measure breathing.
The results of the study showed that workers' complaints of coughing, chest pain, and
wheezing were 50%, 30%, and 26.7%, respectively. Chi-square analysis measurement
showed that the workers' personal variables such as working in or out of the workshop,
age of workers, and the length of time the workers spend at work were the most important
factors associated with the measurement of abnormal breathing among workers.
The study concluded that the prevalence percentage of abnormal breathing symptoms
among workers who worked more than 10 years was 50%, while for those who worked
less than 10 years was 26.1%. Also, there was no significant difference between smokers
and non-smokers with regard to abnormal respiratory status, and the results were 64.7%
and 69.2% for smokers and non-smokers, respectively.
The study recommended taking the necessary precautions to maintain the safety of
workers in places of rock cutting and improving the quality of ventilation by increasing the
rates of air change.
Publication Date
10/1/2021
Publisher
Israa University Journal for Applied Science (IUJAS)
علاء محمود عبد القادر مسلم | Alaa M A Musalam | 5790