الفهرس 
INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDYOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
One of the oldest industries in the world is the production of precious ornamental stone, known as marble. Marble is a natural stone that is one of the types of limestone rocks that are extracted from earth, it is one of the metamorphic rocks that are formed by weather factors such as the effect of pressure and heat together. Marble industry contained two stages, glazing and spraying. It was found that aluminum and cobalt are heavy metals specific for glazing, while chromium, vanadium and zinc are metals specific for spraying stage.
A cross-sectional study was conducted during the period from December to February 2022 from 50 exposed workers at 10 marble workshops and 50 non-exposed workers from the High Institute of Public Health (HIPH) in Alexandria. The participants of the study were males aged between 35.5 and 44 years.
Air of the work environment was sampled and analyzed represent a complete work shift, while urine samples were completed at end the middle of middle of 8 shifts, Co and Al during glazing and Cr, V and Zn during spraying processes were assessed using Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass spectroscopy (ICP-MSS) in both air and urine samples.
This study used job hazard analysis to divide the two stages (glazing and spraying) each to four subtasks, the levels of the five heavy metals were assessed in both air and urine samples. Finally, the hazard quotients and hazard index were calculated as parameters of health risk assessment.
The present study showed that heavy metal levels among exposed were higher than that among non-exposed workers and exceeded BEI. On the other hand, levels of heavy metals in air were lower than their TLVs. In addition, there was a significant difference between heavy metals in urine among exposed and non-exposed workers for Co, Al, Cr, and V, except for Zn. It was found a weak positive positive correlation between levels of heavy metals in air and their levels in urine for chromium and zinc only.
Quantitative risk assessment was used to calculate hazard quotient of heavy metals in urine and in the air of work environment. Finally, hazard index was calculated to express the summation of each hazard quotient of heavy metals in urine and air as a combined exposure of heavy metals with each other. Quantitative risk assessment was done by determination of hazard quotient (HQ) of heavy metals in urine and in the air of work environment where if HQ is <1 meaning that the workers are not at risk.
The present study indicated the hazard quotient of heavy metals in air of work environment were all lower than integer one, while it was higher than one in urine except Zn and Al. The elevation of hazard quotient means that workers are at risk of developing disease. Additionally, the hazard index, was calculated in air, which it was lower than one, while it exceeded one in urine, which means the level of concern regarding the combined exposure of the five heavy metals at marble workshops were risky and may develop occupational disease.
Job Hazard analysis ,which identifies and analyzes hazards with the performance of various individuals job tasks with the goal to make each worker as safe as possible was done
Summary, Conclusion & Recommendations
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in marble workshops. It was found that the use of saw to cut the marble and polishing pieces of marble are the most hazardous subtasks in spraying and glazing stages respectively. The self-reported symptoms among workers in the past three months were a headache, fatigue, weakness, inactivity, cough, and difficult breathing while the most affected joints was neck followed by shoulder. This study underscores the importance of implementing recommended preventive measures to mitigate heavy metal exposure risks in the marble industry.
6.2 Conclusions
from the results of the present study, we can conclude that:
1. The use of protective devices is inappropriate.
2. The level of heavy metals in urine is an important indicator of early detection of health impairment.
3. Quantitative determination of HQ and HI in urine samples are an early indicators that workers are at risk and exposed to mixed exposure of heavy metals.
4. Using saw to cut the marble and polishing pieces of marble are the most hazardous subtasks in spraying and glazing stages, respectively concerning JHA.
The present study recommend the following:
6.3 Recommendations
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): It is crucial for marble workers to use appropriate PPE, such as respiratory masks, gloves, and goggles, to minimize inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion of hazardous substances.
2. Education and Training: Provide comprehensive education and training programs to raise awareness among marble workers about the potential hazards of heavy metal exposure and the importance of proper hygiene practices. This includes safe handling, storage, and disposal of materials, as well as the use of proper PPE.
3. Regular Monitoring: Conduct regular monitoring of heavy metal levels in the air and urine of marble workers to identify any changes or potential risks. This will help in implementing timely preventive measures and ensuring a safe working environment.
4. Environmental Management: Implement measures to minimize the release of heavy metals into the outdoor environment, such as proper waste management practices, including recycling and safe disposal methods.
5. Develop a suitable nutritional program for marble workers to reduce the heavy metal contents like Zn.
6. Regular Medical Check-ups: Establish a routine medical surveillance program for marble workers to monitor their health status and detect any early signs of heavy metal-related health issues. This should include regular check-ups, urine analysis, and other relevant medical tests.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and standards regarding heavy metal exposure in the marble industry. This includes regular inspections, audits, and enforcement of guidelines to protect workers’ health