Evaluation of occupational noise exposure and general health of workers in industrial sites: A case study.

BACKGROUND Occupational noise exposure in workplaces is the most common detrimental factor that has the greatest impact on the health of people working there. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate occupational noise exposure and its relation to the general health status in industrial workers in Sanandaj, Iran. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on the general health of 500 male workers in Sanandaj using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Likewise, occupational noise exposure was measured based on sound pressure level (SPL) and dosimetry in the work and rest conditions of workers. RESULTS The results showed poor general health status of workers, exceeded the daily working hours and also the standard range of sound. A significant correlation was found between general health and its dimensions with indicators of workplace sound pressure levels (P < 0.05). This means that with the increase in sound pressure level is worse general health status. CONCLUSION It seems that the health of workers in these industries is an inappropriate process due to exposure to occupational noise exposure and poor conditions of the workplace. A high percentage of them will lose their health in case of non-implementation of prevention programs and health in the workplace in the future.