Introduction: Water-based metalworking fluid (MWF) provides a suitable environment for microbes to grow. This study aimed at identifying the level and species of microbial contamination of MWF in a metal machining factory and to determine the corresponding Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in the workers’ blood samples. Methods: Total of 298 workers in the production section of a metal machining factory, the production section using MWF as coolant fluid, were involved in this study. The Analytical Profile Index system was used to identify the species of microbes isolated from MWF bulk and air samples. Tryptone soya agar was used to incubate unknown bacteria, and sabouraud dextrose agar was used for unknown fungi. The level of IgG antibodies in workers’ blood were measured as an indicator of the exposure to the microbes isolated from MWF, corresponded to the microbial species isolated from MWF. Results: The most dominant microbes isolated from the channels were Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A total of 21 (34.4%) workers were positively exposed to E. coli, 30 (42.2%) to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 45(75%) exposed to Candida albicans. Also, the mean level of optic density of IgG to Klebsiella pneumoniae was 0.415 (0.02). Conclusion: Water-based metalworking fluid in this metal machining factory was contaminated with bacteria and fungi. The workers in the production section were exposed to MWF as well as the microbes present in MWF. The level of IgG in blood was the biomarkers for occupational exposure to microbial contaminant MWF.
Occupational exposure

Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health

Humans ; Noise, Occupational ; Occupational Exposure

Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; Railroads

No abstract available.
Occupational Exposure* ; Trichloroethylene*

Contact urticaria refers to a wheal-and-flare response after cutaneous exposure to certain chemicals. If contact urticaria is accompanied by systemic symptoms, it is referred to as contact urticaria syndrome. Herein we report two cases of contact urticaria syndrome occur-ring in nurses due to occupational exposure to cefotiam.
Cefotiam ; Occupational Exposure ; Urticaria*

No abstract available.
Gonads* ; Occupational Exposure*

Carcinogens ; Occupational Exposure

OBJECTIVETo improve the occupational health management levels in electroplating enterprises with quantitative classification measures and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of occupational hazards in electroplating enterprises and the protection of workers' health.

METHODSA quantitative classification table was created for the occupational health management in electroplating enterprises. The evaluation indicators included 6 items and 27 sub-items, with a total score of 100 points. Forty electroplating enterprises were selected and scored according to the quantitative classification table. These electroplating enterprises were classified into grades A, B, and C based on the scores.

RESULTSAmong 40 electroplating enterprises, 11 (27.5%) had scores of >85 points (grade A), 23 (57.5%) had scores of 60∼85 points (grade B), and 6 (15.0%) had scores of <60 points (grade C).

CONCLUSIONQuantitative classification management for electroplating enterprises is a valuable attempt, which is helpful for the supervision and management by the health department and provides an effective method for the self-management of enterprises.

Air Pollutants, Occupational ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; Styrene