Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Workers in different jobs are exposed to noise, which can affect hearing loss and
sleep disturbance in the long term. Excessive noise exposure may lead to increased blood
pressure, reduced efficiency, and increased absenteeism. Materials and Methods: In this
case‑control study, 80 workers were studied in terms of noise exposure and blood pressure.
Noise exposure was measured by SEL 440 sound level meters according to ISO 1996 standard.
Blood pressure of the case and control groups was measured in workplace, under standard
circumstances, using ALPK2 mercury sphygmomanometer during physical examination. Data
were analyzed by t‑test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Mean level of noise was
95.21 ± 2.56 db, which was significantly higher than permitted limit of 85 db (ACGIH 2009) (P <
0.01). Diastolic blood pressure was normal in 28.8% and high in 50.1%, and between these in
21.1% of workers. Mean difference of systolic blood pressure in two studied groups (P < 0.01)
was meaningful. However, mean difference of diastolic blood pressure was not significant in two
studied groups (P > 0.05). There was a positive and weak relationship between noise and systolic
blood pressure (r = 0.28, P < 0.006). Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to industrial noise is related
with high blood pressure as a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended
that training programs be held for workers, preventive measures for noise exposure at workplace
be taken, blood pressure of workers be attended to and special care be given to workers with a
history of hypertension.
Keywords
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