WORK IN A CARCINOGEN-HAZARDOUS WORKPLACE AS A RISK FACTOR FOR MEN’S HEALTH PROBLEMS

Abstract

The study of the impact of production factors on the health of workers and the introduction of preventive measures can reduce the risks of occupational diseases [1, 2]. To assess the effect of harmful production factors on workers’ health is examined. Working conditions 318 of male workers in cancerogenous areas of engineering enterprise, compared to 148 workers of the control group (out of contact with the carcinogens). Social hygienic, biochemical, statistical methods of research, calculation of carcinogenic risks were studied in the work presented. To clarify the influencing factors, we used a questionnaire consisting of three blocks of questions: medical, social, and professional. The levels of excretion of benz(a)pyrene metabolites in the urine were determined using the spectral fluorescent analysis method. The survey showed that the chemical factor in the workplace was detected in 68.2% of respondents, 14% interact with heavy metals, and the same number worked in conditions of overheating. 18% of the respondents noted a burdened hereditary history of cancer, and 66.3% of the respondents smoked. In the air of the working zone, excessive amount of the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of benz(a)pyrene, oil aerosols, and nitrogen dioxide was detected. Working conditions of the members of the experimental group are classified as harmful. A high carcinogenic risk was determined from the single action of benz(a)pyrene (13.5×10-4). In 98% of the experimental group examined, the excretion of benz(a)pyrene metabolites in the urine exceeded the norm. The highest levels of excretion of benz(a)pyrene metabolites were found in individuals of the milling profession, the lowest - in electric and gas welders. Increased levels of excretion of benz(a)pyrene metabolites in the urine indicate a high carcinogenic exposure of the workers. Persons of the milling profession who have high rates of excretion of benz(a)pyrene metabolites are at high risk of developing cancer. In smokers, the risk of cancer may increase due to additional intake of benz(a)pyrene in the body. Preventive measures are proposed.