Occupational Allergic Diseases among Workers of the State Company of Fertilizers/ Basrah/Iraq

Abstract

SummaryA cross - sectional comparative study was carried out in the state company of fertilizers / southern region, which is one of the important companies in Iraq. The aim was to study the relationship between exposure to gases and dust in the workplace and allergic diseases.The exposed groups (workers in ammonia , urea, water refinery, and packing units) were compared to non exposed comparison group (workers in administrative units).The results showed that the prevalence of work - related allergic conditions as reported by workers and diagnosed by the investigator was significantly higher among the exposed groups than the comparison group.Similarly, the total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were significantly higher in the exposed groups than that in comparison group. A clear significant association between the degree of exposure to hazardous gases and dust & the total level of serum IgE was observed. These findings suggest that the risk of work - related allergic diseases among workers exposed to irritant gases and dust was high compared to their control.