Evaluation of noise pollution and its effects on the blood pressure of female workers in the clothing industry in Al-Najaf city, Iraq

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of noise pollution on blood pressure in female workers in the men's clothing industry in Najaf, Iraq. Sound level measurements were conducted using a sound level meter in three factories in the men's clothing industry. Additionally, the study also included measuring the blood pressure of 60 female workers in three factories in the men's clothing industry. The results indicated that the highest mean A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level (L_Aeq) and maximum sound level (L_max) during morning hours belonged to the sewing department, while the ironing department had the lowest mean L_Aeq and minimum sound level (L_min) in the men's suit production factory. Additionally, the study revealed that the mean equivalent noise levels in the men's suit production factory across all departments during morning hours exceeded those in the administration department. In addition, the study recorded a significant elevation (p< 0.05) in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart pulse rate among female workers in the sewing department compared to other departments in the health and general products lab factory. The results showed a significant (p< 0.05) increase in the average values of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart pulse rate of female workers in all apartments of the health and general products lab factory compared with the control.