[Characterization of labor conditions and state of health among ammonia nitrate producing workers]

A complicated inquiry of worker's working conditions at enterprises that are producing ammonia nitrate has been conducted. It was determined that during the production process hazardous chemical compounds were used. It was found that labor conditions of studied industry are in unfavorable state. The most important problem is air pollution with toxic gazes. The atmosphere at the enterprises producing ammonia nitrate is significantly polluted by ammonia, nitrous acid and nitrogenous gazes. Concentration of toxic substances depends on the character of the technological process. High air temperature has bad effects on health during warm periods of the year. Noise factor and general industrial vibration exceed acceptable level in the majority of working area. The figures for sickness rate of workers with temporary loss of ability for work during three years have been analyzed. It has been stated that general rate of morbidity is not high, but this index in basic group 3.6-5.1 times exceeds the analogous figure in the control group. In the structure of morbidity diseases of respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neural, kidney and digestive systems are frequent and they amount to 76% of the whole cases. The clinical examination of the workers with basic professions of the production of ammonia nitrate shows the frequent cases of chronic bronchitis and radiculoneuropathy. The results of function study show the damage of airways and the myocardiodystrophy. This confirms the major role of occupational- professional factors in the etiology of these pathological conditions.