Respiratory Manifestations and Pulmonary Function among Shredding and Incineration Workers at Menoufia Governorate Hospitals, Egypt

El Badry, Aziza Saad; Gabr, Hala Marawan; Abdel Raouf, Shaimaa Yaihya; Mahrous, Omaima Abo-ElFateh; Ibrahim, Yasser Hassan; Younis, Faten Ezzelarab

doi:10.21608/ejcm.2025.375783.1388

Respiratory Manifestations and Pulmonary Function among Shredding and Incineration Workers at Menoufia Governorate Hospitals, Egypt

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt.

² Air Protection from Pollution Unit, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.

10.21608/ejcm.2025.375783.1388

Abstract

Background: The improper handling and management of medical waste pose serious health risks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate environmental parameters at Menoufia Governorate hospitals while identifying respiratory problems and biological monitoring for lead and cadmium among shredding and incineration workers. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at seven hospitals in Menoufia Governorate. Workers engaged in shredding and incineration hospital waste along with an equal number of matched controls were included. Each participant had a pre-designed interview and underwent spirometry and urine lead and cadmium testing. Environmental monitoring was also carried out. Results: A total 50 workers were included; 25 cases and 25 controls. The mean age was 44.1±8.9 years and 39.9±7.8 years, respectively. The workers had more prevalent respiratory manifestations and reduced mean spirometric readings compared to the control group. The workers had a significantly higher urinary lead level than the control group (0.11±0.15 versus 0.02±0.02, P<0.05). The workers who sometimes used protective equipment had significantly lower spirometric measurements than those who always used protective equipment. Those who were employed for ≥7 years had significantly higher mean urine lead and cadmium levels than those who worked for <7 years. Furthermore, the urinary lead level was directly correlated with the work duration (r = 0.497, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Shredding and incineration workers are at higher risk respiratory problems and heavy metal exposure. A health education program emphasizing the importance of regularly wearing protective equipment and biological monitoring of lead and cadmium among them should be implemented.

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