Background: Seat belts have been proven as one of the most successful means of preventing or reducing injuries to occupants of cars during an accident. This paper examines the reasons behind the non-compliance of the seat belt law in Malaysia and suggests possible measures to get the percentage of seat belt usage up higher.

Methods: Various databases of articles were searched for seat belt usage in Malaysia, related legislation, related accident data, type of injuries and reviewed to put forth the need for a new measure to increase the usage of seat belts in Malaysia.

Results: In various studies carried out previously, car occupants (driver and front passenger) used the seat belts mainly with the knowledge that seat belts prevents injuries, the fear of being fined by the authorities, comfortability of the seat belt, speed of travel, trip purpose and driving location. However, when these factors are removed, seat belts usage starts becoming lax. Other reasons were driving short distance (known location), forgetfulness and were in a hurry.

Conclusion: Enforcement of seat belt usage by either the Police or Road Transport Department is only a short term solution. The relevant agencies are urged to consider making compulsory for all car makers in Malaysia to enable a system where the car would not be able to start without the seat belt being fixed first for the driver and passenger and to make auto seat belt fixing enabled in the car when the driver and or passenger enters the car.

Keywords: Seat belt, Safety, Compliance, Car, Malaysia

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is widely used as a biomarker for assessing oxidative stress in biomedical fields. Lipid peroxidation is a chain phenomenon resulting in the formation of various active compounds that result in cellular damage. Biomonitoring of MDA has been used in both in-vivo and in-vitro studies as a key biomarker for various disease patterns including hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart failure and cancer. Higher levels of MDA are reported in patients of various categories including lung cancer patients, complex regional pain syndrome patients and glaucoma patients. The findings suggest the validity of the MDA assay as a reliable tool in finding out the oxidative stress in different disease pathologies. The present review emphasizes on the reliability and efficacy of MDA estimation in various health disorders.

Keywords: Malondialdehyde, Lipid peroxidation, Free radicals, Oxidative stress

Malaysia is affected by moderate environmental disasters but seldom affected by severe disaster. Cameron Highland mud floods 2013, Hulu Langat landslide 2011, tsunami 2004 and Highland Tower 1993 are some of environmental disaster in Malaysia. Some of these disasters carry heavy price tags as property and lives are damaged beyond full compensation and repair and health effects as well. This paper was focused on environmental disaster in Malaysia with reference to flood and landslide. The scope of this paper is to provide input for a clearer understanding of these disasters and how public could be safe from these hazards with preparedness strategies. This paper involved with secondary data collected from journal, proceedings, books, related agencies and internet sources as well. Normally, humankind is capable of saving their self and Earth as well, if they recover the principles of solidarity, complementarity and harmony with nature in contraposition to the reign of competition, profits and rampant consumption of natural resources. They also must strongly support a sustainable development and a sustainable land use concept in order to sustain the environment from degrades. In addition, community-based disaster preparedness is essential in preventing and responding to the full array of environmental disasters in keeping human losses as low as possible. Ways must be found to ensure that a community is strengthened, becoming less fragile and less susceptible to environmental disaster impact. In addition, community needs to be assist in order to survive despite receiving the impact of severe disasters.

Keywords: Environmental disaster, Malaysia, Human activity

Background: The Air dispersion models are widely used to evaluate and predict the pollutants emissions from air pollution sources such as incinerators. This study attempts to predict the heavy metal pollutants dispersion emitted by an incineration plant impacting its surrounding area.

Methods: Several scenarios of emission rates coupled with the meteorological conditions were investigated using the AERMOD dispersion model.

Results: The maximum ground level concentration (GLC) of pollutants was within their respective air quality guidelines concentration and fall within the distance of 0.5 km from the stack.

Conclusion: The pollutant concentration decreases with distances from the incineration plant, which does not seem to contribute a significant human exposure problem to the residence living more than 1.5 km away.

Keywords: Pollution dispersion, AERMOD, Incinerator, Heavy metals

Background: The primary objective of this study was to determine the association between risk factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among auto repair mechanics in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Methods: Overall, 191 mechanics from eight auto repair centers in Klang Valley, Malaysia were stratified sampling as participants of this study. A modified version of the general Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used for analyses of perceived MSD in nine different parts of the body. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), vibration measurement on hand power tool, questionnaire on job content, force exertion was used in this study. Direct logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of risk factors on the MSD prevalence. The probability limits for evaluating statistical significance was P < 0.05.

Results: 87.4% of auto repair mechanics suffered from MSD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors were associated with symptoms on MSD: RULA (7.933, 95% CI 4.637-13.573) and orceful exertion (3.173, 95% CI 1.194 – 8.432). The magnitude of vibration of power tool exceeds action level 2.5m/s2 with (Mean=3.99+S.E. 0.071) and showed significant association with MSD in this study (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Auto repair mechanics at auto repair centers in Klang Valley are likely to be exposed to a variety of ergonomic hazards and risk factors. Therefore, ergonomics awareness between employer and employee with training and information sharing shall be increase to reduce the prevalence of MSDs.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), Auto repair mechanics, Hand arm vibration

Background: This study aimed to assess the burden of household smoking habits on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms among young adolescents in Malaysia.

Methodology: The impact of Secondhand Smoke (SHS) exposures on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms was investigated on 234 adolescents (13-14 years old) residing in two states in Malaysia. Adolescents completed a self-administered questionnaire adapted from Global Youth Tobacco survey that comprised of items on socio-demographic and SHS exposures. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using a standard questionnaire of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Hair samples were collected from each adolescent and were analyzed for nicotine via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry with nitrogen detection method.

Result: The geometric mean of hair nicotine was 0.0184± 2.31 ng/mg. The prevalence of current, ever wheeze, nocturnal cough, exercised-induced wheeze and self-reported asthma were 7.69%, 14.1%, 11.5%, 20.5% and 13.7%, respectively. A significant association was found between household smoking status with exercise-induced wheeze (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR 1.06; 95%Confidence Interval, CI 0.42-2.66) and nocturnal cough (AOR 14.2; 95%CI 1.60-125). Reported ever wheeze was linked to reported SHS exposure in family’s vehicle (AOR 3.27; 95%CI 1.15-9.34). The risk of exercise-induced wheeze was related with postnatal SHS exposure (AOR 2.69; 95%CI 1.13-6.43).

Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms were mostly affected by household smoking habits. Thus, in an attempt to reduce the repercussion of SHS exposure among younger adolescents, effort should be emphasized in encouraging parents to move from indoor to outdoor smoking far from the vicinity of children.

Keywords: Passive smoking, Household smoking habits, Youth, Respiratory health, Hair nicotine 

Background: The nature of work in the construction industry is closely associated with many human factor hazards. Manual construction workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration, repetitive movements, holding of heavy loads and tools, and frequent manual materials handling hazards in their daily tasks. Work related musculoskeletal disorders are major problems faced by construction workers, which involve the nerves, tendons, muscles and other supporting structures of the body. Two main objectives of this study were firstly, to determine the risk factors and the prevalence and secondly, to identify the association of the risks with muscular musculoskeletal disorders symptoms among construction workers.

Methods: Evaluation was done through survey questionnaire which also involved the standardized Nordic questionnaire. Sixty male construction workers aged between 17 to 50 years old took part in the study. Their main daily tasks are bricklaying, skim coating, housekeeping and plastering.

Results: 66.7% of the workers who took part in the study had high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders symptoms at their elbows, wrists or hands and ankles or feet.

Conclusion: Manual construction workers are highly exposed to the risks of getting work related musculoskeletal disorders and there are significant associations (P = 0.023) between working duration with MSDs symptom among construction workers with respect to the workers lower limb.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, Manual construction workers, Risk factors

Background: Sound produced by the passing traffic contributes to noise pollution. Noise pollution affects the residents of both city and suburban areas. The noise produced does not only disturb the community living nearby the main road during the day but becomes worse during the night. The purpose of the study is to perform noise level measurement and subjective evaluation on the noise produced at night in a residential area along Paka Road, Dungun, Terengganu.

Methods: Data of the noise level produced at night in the residential area were taken at three different locations using SoundTrack LxT sound level meter. These locations determined the effect of distances to the noise being heard. Data were recorded to produce L_Aeq, L_max, L₁₀ and L₉₀. Noise pollution levels (LNP) and traffic noise index (TNI) were also reported. A subjective evaluation was conducted to investigate residents' perception of the effects of traffic noise at night in their daily life routine. This study employed a questionnaire specially constructed for the study based on related literature review.

Results: The noise levels inside and outside of the residences exceeded the noise level permitted by Department of Environment (DOE) and World Health Organization (WHO). The noise level in the residence was 66.4 dBA which is much higher than the level proposed by DOE. While the highest L_Aeq of the traffic noise measured inside the residence was 57.5 dBA which is also considered as high. Moreover, the maximum noise level inside the residences could reach up to 85.3 dBA at night during the weekends.This study also showed that from 114 respondents who were selected randomly, 61% felt that their residential area is noisy at night.

Conclusion: The noise produced by the traffic at Paka Road, Dungun at night is considerably high and affects the residents’ quality of life.

Keywords: Malaysia, Traffic, Noise 

Background: Repeated applications of animal manure as fertilizer are normal agricultural practices in Malaysia that may release veterinary antibiotics to environment from treated animals.

Methods: Environmental risk assessment (ERA) on 5 commonly used antibiotics and one hormone in Malaysian broiler farm was calculated using the ratio of measured environmental concentration (MEC) and predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) in the environment. PNEC was derived from the available acute and chronic toxicity data in the open peer-reviewed literature. Risk quotients (RQ) were then calculated for 5 antibiotics (erythromycin, norfloxacin, sulfadiazine, trimethoprim, and tylosin) and one hormone (progesterone).

Results: RQ for tylosin has exceeded 1, indicating that this compound has high risk of acute toxicity in Malaysian agricultural soil while trimethoprim and tylosin possessed medium risk of chronic toxicity. The rest of the compounds showed low risk or no risk in acute or chronic ecological toxicity.

Conclusion: The release of tylosin, trimethoprim, norfloxacin and progesterone from broiler manure to agricultural soil may potentially harm the environment.

Keywords: Veterinary antibiotic, Environmental risk assessment, Risk quotient, Malaysia

Background: The aim of this study is to develop a new ergonomics chisel based on user centered design approach and to evaluate the effectiveness for reducing awkward posture using CATIA software for simulation analysis.

Methods: Respondents were selected using purposive sampling – age 18 – 49 years old, men, experience using chisel (>1 month). A set of questionnaire were used to interview workers while postural risks were determined using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Selected anthropometric parameters were taken and user centered design concept were applied to determine mismatch and to facilitate design process. CATIA software was used to integrate the results of postural analysis and anthropometric measurement using 3D modeling.

Results: A total of 273 male harvesters participated in this study. The result shows 5.2% of the chisels’ length of handles matches with the respondents whereas none (100%) of the chisels’ circumference of handle matches with respondents’ internal grip diameter. Tool-chisel usage, majority of harvester bend forward while harvesting (96.7%) and most of workers having blister (83.2%), redness (85.3%) and numbness (65.9%) during harvesting. RULA simulation analysis showed the score action level for new design is 3(further investigated need and changes may be required) compared to existing tool are in action score 7(investigated and changes required immediately).

Conclusions: The study showed that the design of new harvesting tool has the potential to reduce awkward body posture during harvesting activities as compared to existing tools.

Keywords: Harvesting tool, Awkward posture, User centered design, CATIA simulation

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the most commonly used indicators of indoor air quality (IAQ) in industrial area. The higher concentration level of CO₂ and particulate matter (PM₁₀) in day care centre could affect children’s health. The objective of this study was to assess children’s health symptom, and measure the CO₂ and PM₁₀ concentration level as IAQ parameters in different locations of day care centres near the industrial area at Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Hulu Langat as urban, suburban and rural areas respectively.

Methods: The data of children’s health symptom were collected from the distributed questionnaire.

Results: The day care centres (DCC) in Kuala Lumpur has the highest number of children’s illness frequency of more than four times annually (11%), followed by the highest number of children who experienced asthma (5.3%), wheezing (3.3%) and coughing (10%). The results of data collection of day care centres in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Hulu Langat ranged between 629-830 ppm, 587-823 ppm and 600-830 ppm for CO₂ level, and 60.80-78.60 mg/m³, 56.90-80.50 mg/m³ and 59.90-79.10 mg/m³ for PM₁₀ level. The statistical analysis for CO₂ level between areas was significantly different (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Day care centers in Kuala Lumpur have the highest mean rate of CO₂ and PM₁₀ as well as frequency of children’ illness which could identify traffic congestion and less greenery of a densely populated city.

Keywords: Day care centre (DCC), IAQ, CO₂, PM₁₀, Health symptoms

Background: Many studies have been conducted to assess the indoor air quality (IAQ) of buildings throughout the world because it is closely related to comfort, safety and work productivity of occupants. However, there is still lack of available literature about IAQ in tropical buildings that apply radiant cooling systems in conditioning the indoor air.

Methods: This paper reports the results obtained from an IAQ audit that was conducted in a new radiantly cooled building in Malaysia, by focusing on the IAQ and thermal comfort parameters.

Results: It was identified that the measured concentration levels for the five indoor air contaminants (CO, CO₂, TVOC, formaldehyde and respirable particulates) were within the threshold limit values (TLVs) specified in the IAQ guidelines. Besides, no significant difference was found between the contaminant levels in each floor of the studied building, and a majority of the respondents did not encounter any form of physical discomfort. There is a risk of condensation problem, judging from the measured RH level.

Conclusion: An increase of airflow rate and more dehumidification work in the studied building can be made to improve IAQ and prevention of condensation problem. Nevertheless, these schemes should be implemented carefully to avoid occupants’ discomfort. Relocation of workstations was suggested, especially for the lower floors, which had higher occupancy levels.

Keywords: Indoor air quality (IAQ), Radiant cooling systems, IAQ audit, Indoor air contaminants, Condensation

Background: This study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory health complaints, allergy symptom, lung functions, and the association between airborne concentrations of chromium and aluminium with respiratory health and allergy symptoms among machining industry workers in Selangor, Malaysia.

Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional comparative study. The respiratory and allergy symptoms were obtained through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Adult Respiratory Questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78)  modified questionnaire.

Results: The MWFs unexposed group had significantly higher TWA₈ airborne aluminum concentration (median = 0.24 µg/m³) than the exposed group (median = 0.13 µg/m³) (P=0.027). However, no significant difference was found in the airborne chromium between both groups. Significantly higher skin itchiness was reported by the MWFs exposed group. This was further supported by the serum total IgE concentrations which was significantly higher among MWFs exposed group than the unexposed group (P=0.024). The prevalence of total serum IgE was significantly higher for the exposed group (54.3%) than the unexposed group (36.9%). The exposed group reported significantly higher prevalence of cough symptom, morning cough with sputum and health worries caused by metalworking fluids than the unexposed group.

Conclusion: This study showed significantly higher allergy and respiratory symptoms among the MWFs exposed group than the unexposed group.  

Keywords: Machining industry, Metalworking fluids, Allergy symptoms, IgE, Lung function

Background: Neptunia oleracea or ‘water mimosa’ has a phytoremediation ability which is rarely being assessed. This plant also can be eaten as raw or cooked and but brought such concern on its safety for human consumption. The objective of this study was to assess the phytoremediation ability of water mimosa and its safety for human consumption.

Methods: Water mimosa was treated with Pb, Cu and Cd at concentrations of 0.5 to 20 mg/L and the level of heavy metals uptake was measured. Treated plants were also harvested and soaked in boiled water (100˚C) for 2 to 10 minutes to determine the level of heavy metals reduction. Heavy metals were detected by Inductively-Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).  Experiment was conducted in the Environmental Health laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia from June to December 2013.

Results: Water mimosa accumulates up to 93% of Cd (5 mg/L) after 10 days of treatment, the highest as compared to Cu (80%) and Pb (50%). It also has the highest BCF when treated with 10 mg/L of Cd. The heavy metals concentration in plant tissue decreased as the boiling time increased.

Conclusion: The overall results demonstrated that water mimosa could be used to remediate wastewater polluted with Cd, Cu and Pb. The plant is not recommended for human consumption as its ability to retain heavy metals in edible parts.

Keywords: Phytoremediation, Water mimosa, Heavy metals, Food safety, Green technology

Background: This study was undertaken to evaluate Staphylococcus aureus carriage and persistence in health sciences students at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Methods: Consent form and self-administered questionnaires on socio-demographics, hygienic practices, medical and medication history were distributed followed by nasal swab collection; sampling was done twice in one month interval in October and November 2013. Bacterial identification followed the standard phenotypic methods. Antibiotic susceptibility of isolates against oxacillin and cefoxitin was tested by disc diffusion method. Methicillin resistance determinant gene (mecA) was detected through polymerase chain reaction-assay.

Results: S. aureus was isolated from 31.3% (60/192) and 33.3% (60/180) of the student population during the first and second sampling respectively. Among the S. aureus-positive participants, about 65% of them were persistent carrier (S. aureus was detected during both sampling exercises). Six methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were detected (four and two isolates in the two sampling events respectively) as inferred by decreased susceptibility to oxacillin and cefoxitin and presence of mecA gene; two of the strains were from a single individual. Fisher’s exact test showed no significant correlation between carriage and the tested risk factors except for the habit of touching nose and chronic illnesses (P < 0.05), with a higher incidence of S. aureus among those associated with the two risk factors.

Conclusions: As far as the limited sampling period is concerned, these findings indicate that a proportion of the student population may be at infection risk. Avoiding frequent nose-touching could be one of the preventive measures.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Infection risk, Nasal carriage, MRSA

Background: Road traffic accident is a worldwide public health issue that has its highest impact on low and middle income countries including Malaysia. Many previous studies concerned on the causality of the actual accidents and little attention were given to near miss incidents. Hence, the current study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated factors for near miss incident among long distance bus drivers in Malaysia.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 517 long distance bus drivers. Data were collected using interview-guided translated and validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Manchester Driver Behaviour questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant factors for near miss incident among long distance bus drivers in Malaysia.

Results: The prevalence of near miss incident among long distance bus drivers was 37.5% (95% CI: 33.5, 41.8). The significant associated factors for near miss incident were younger age group (OR_adj : 1.99; 95% CI: 1.32, 3.01), longer distance travelled per day (OR_adj : 2.34; 95% CI: 1.52, 3.60), sleep disturbances (OR_adj : 1.74; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.54) and errors in driving behaviour (OR_adj : 1.31; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.39).

Conclusion: Self-reported near miss incidents were relatively high among long distance bus drivers in Malaysia. This issue should be taken seriously and preventive action should consider the significant human factors such as younger age group, errors in driving behaviours, sleep disturbances as well as occupational factors like distance travelled per day.

Keywords: Road traffic accident, Near miss, Bus drivers, Malaysia

Background: A cross sectional study conducted to identify the organizational factors associated to the occupational stress among lecturers in selected Community Colleges, Peninsular Malaysia.

Methods: Study was conducted by using cluster-sampling method and 189 self-administrated questionnaires were distributed. A validated Malay version of Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was used to obtain the information regarding respondent’s background and their respective job scope. JCQ described four organizational factors that were decision latitude, psychological job demand, social support and job insecurity.

Results: Response rate was 87.1% with 25.9% of the lecturers were stressed. There were no significant association between occupational stress with any socio-demography factors but the result showed significant associations between occupational stress and all four organizational factors studied, decision latitude (P<0.001); psychological job demand (P<0.001); social support (P<0.001); and job insecurity (P<0.001).

Conclusion: From the result, it clearly showed that stress among lecturers came from organizational factors in their workplace. The highest organizational factors reported were insufficient social support from the employer and limited authority in decision making. These factors might cause lack of communication and poor social interaction. The occupational stress among lecturers was associated with all the organizational factors (decision latitude, psychological job demand, social support and job insecurity) in this study. Therefore, preventive measures or intervention programs need to be implemented in Community Colleges to alleviate the negative consequences.

Keywords: Occupational stress, Lecturers, Organizational factors, Job content questionnaire (JCQ)

Background: Secondhand Smoke (SHS) exposure has been reported to cause a number of adverse health effects. Although studies have been conducted to identify the link between SHS exposure and cognitive functioning of children, its relationship is still unclear. This study aimed to identify the association of prenatal and postnatal SHS exposure with cognitive ability among adolescents.

Methods: A total of 370 adolescents aged 13-14 years old in two states in Malaysia participated in this study. A modified Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used to assess exposure to SHS. Parental-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on parental smoking and prenatal SHS exposure. Cognitive ability was objectively measured using Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability.

Results: 75.4% and 24.6% adolescents were identified to have cognitive ability categorized as high (>90marks) and low (≤90marks), respectively. From the logistic analysis adjusting for confounders, adolescents with SHS exposure in toddlerhood (≤2years old) were three times more likely to have lower cognitive ability compared to those without exposure (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 2.89; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.21-6.83). School absenteeism was associated with lower cognitive ability.

Conclusion: Exposure to SHS during toddlerhood was linked to lower cognitive ability among adolescents. The findings of this study emphasize the need for preventing involuntary toddlerhood SHS exposure from parents and indirectly encourage home smoking restriction practices among Malaysian citizens.

Keywords:  Passive smoking, Adolescents, Cognitive ability, Youth, Tobacco smoke

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of job dissatisfaction, and to ascertain the association between job strain and job dissatisfaction and socio-demographic and occupational factors among laboratory staff of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 research laboratory staff in 10 faculties and 8 institutes of Universiti Putra Malaysia. Probability appropriate to size sampling and simple random sampling method were used and data were collected via Job content Questionnaire (JCQ) from September 2012 to February 2013. SPSS (version 20.0) software was used for data analysis.

Results: A total of 285 laboratory staff with at least one year job tenure participated in this study (Response rate: 91.3%). The finding revealed that 47% of laboratory staff reported job dissatisfaction. The results of this survey showed laboratory staffs with age 35, and less were two-fold more likely to report job dissatisfaction than the older staff (adjusted OR= 2.108, 95% CI: 1.241- 3.582). Laboratory staffs with higher toxic exposures 2 times more likely to report job dissatisfaction (adjusted OR= 1.887, 95% CI: 1.062-3.353).

Conclusion: There is a need to have training plans to increase the knowledge on toxic exposures among younger laboratory staff, which may be helpful to reduce job dissatisfaction among them.

Keywords:  Job dissatisfaction, Laboratory staff, JCQ, UPM

Background: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the highest reported occupational disease among industrial workers but there is scarcity of data on disease burden in Malaysia. This study estimated the risks and burden of NIHL in manufacturing industries in Malaysia.

Methods: This cross-sectional industrial survey was conducted by interviewing OSH practitioners at 26 industries categorized as food, tobacco, textile, wearing apparel, wood products except furniture, paper, refined petroleum, chemicals, non-metallic mineral, basic metal, fabricated metal, motor vehicle parts. The catchment population is imputed based on stratified sampling design involving 60% of workers diagnosed with NIHL.

Results: A total of 18 industries exposed to noise level of 86-90dBA and 8 industries at more than 91dBA were identified. All industries provide regular awareness training and hearing protection device to their workers but none of them implement attenuation, majority of them (81%) conduct onsite audiometric test annually. In overall, the risk of NIHL and incidence per 100,000 manufacturing workers projected is 8% (139 new cases), the highest risk and incidence is 32% (26) in motor vehicle parts industry; followed by 23% (1140 new cases) in tobacco industry and 23% (269 new cases) in fabricated metal industry. Male workers (89%) were exposed to a greater risk compared to female (11%). It was estimated that 103,000 workers were potentially affected by NIHL in Malaysia.

Conclusion: NIHL is a major burden among industrial workers in Malaysia. Implementation of effective hearing conservation program and self-enforcement of noise regulations by the employer could potentially reduce the burden.

Keywords: Noise, Hearing loss, Manufacturing, Malaysia

Background: This cross sectional study was carried out to determine the relationship between metal dust exposure and respiratory health in male steel workers in Terengganu, Malaysia.

Methods: Subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire from British Medical Research Council (BMRC) Questionnaire regarding respiratory symptoms and were examined their lung function using spirometer.

Results: The mean trace metal dusts concentration TWA₈ for cobalt and chromium in most of work unit exceeded occupational exposure prescribed values. Prevalence of chest tightness, chronic phlegm, and shortness of breath was 28.0%, 26.8%, 24.1%, and 20.2% respectively. Age and smoking were among the factors associated with respiratory symptoms (OR: 0.92 – 1.78). Smoking and cumulative respirable metal dust were negatively associated with FEV₁.

Conclusion: The mean metal dust for cobalt and chromium were 1 to 2 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL). This study found that respirable cumulative metal dust exposure is one of the contributing factors to lung function values among steel workers.

Keywords: Respiratory symptoms, Lung function, Metal dust, Questionnaire

Background: The aim of this study was to determine bioavailability heavy metal concentrations of Cu, Cd, Cr, Co and Zn and health risk assessment in different types of Klang district, Selangor (Malaysia) urban surface soil using in Physiologically Based Extraction Test in vitro human digestion model.

Methods: A total of 76 urban surface soil was sampled based on seven different types of land use, namely, industrial, residential, agriculture, town area, port, school and mangrove. For bioavailability of heavy metal concentration, the soil solution was analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Results: Heavy metal concentrations for this study were in the following order: Zn, Cu, Co, Cd and Cr. Results of bioavailability heavy metal concentration from ICP-OES was used to establish Hazard Quotient in order to determine non-cancer risk. The results of Hazard Quotient are < 1 for all surface soil samples.

Conclusion: All the soil samples in Klang district are safe from the non-cancer risk to human.

Keywords: Heavy metal, Bioavailability, Health risk assessment

Background: With the rising of baking industries in Bangladesh, more female workers are surprisingly engaged compared to male workers. The major aim of this study was to observe the working conditions, available safety facilities and hygiene maintained by the female workers.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among the randomly selected 384 female workers from different baking industries located at Dhaka and Tangail regions in Bangladesh by a well-designed semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: About 33% of all respondents opined the machine room was congested, 27% narrow packaging and sealing room while 37% unhealthy storage areas. Two industries did not have proper accident prevention facilities. Although all the industries had monitoring personnel hygiene practices, about 40% of the workers were found not strictly maintaining some basic personal hygiene criteria. Socio-demographic result showed that the workers education level and monthly family income were poor. About 59.1% of all workers were suffering from various degrees of Chronic Energy Deficiencies (CED). It was also observed that nutritional status of the workers significantly related to their expenditure of the foods and working loads (χ² Value < 0.05).

Conclusion: The survey revealed that the occupational hygiene and safety practices were not at satisfactory level in some selected food industries in Bangladesh. The currently available food safety tools and system like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) should be adapted by the industries and concurrently ensure the sufficient wages for workers.

Keywords: Industrial female workers, Occupational hygiene, Safety practices, Chronic Energy Deficiencies (CED)

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among computer users. Computer users exhibit various wrist angles while typing. Dynamic changes of wrist angle may cause different degrees of median nerve compression. The objective of this study was thus to investigate the effects of the combination of wrist flexion-extension with wrist deviation on median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA).

Methods:  Eight right-handed participants were recruited in this study. Both wrists were examined by sonographic ultrasound (US) at the proximal carpal tunnel level in the transverse plane. A total of nine wrist positions were examined, including wrist neutral (WN), wrist flexion (WF)30°, and wrist extension (WE)30°, together with three wrist deviation conditions, namely, without radial deviation (RD) and ulnar deviation (UD), with maximal RD and with maximal UD. MNCSA was measured by tracing method with ImageJ.

Results: Paired t-test showed a significant difference of WN MNCSA between the dominant hand (7.93 ± 0.63 mm²) and the non-dominant hand (6.98 ± 0.42 mm²) (P<0.001). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (handedness as an independent factor) showed that WF30° and WE30° caused significant differences of MNCSA when compared with WN (P<0.001). However, wrist RD/UD did not have a significant interaction with the changes of MNCSA in WN, WF and WE positions.

Conclusion: The results indicate a significant reduction of MNCSA when WN changed to WF and WE. Wrist RD and UD did not cause significant changes of MNCSA at different wrist positions.

Keywords: Median nerve, Ultrasound, Wrist active holding, Nerve deformation

Background: This paper describes the common hazards in the metal industry – chemicals and noise. The aim of the study was to get an overview of risk levels of mentioned occupational hazards and examine the implementation of adequate safety measures.

Methods: Measurements of noise and chemicals were performed, self-reported exposure and usage of personal protective equipment from workers were used to assess the behavior of workers, semi-structured interviews were conducted to clarify employers’ practices to provide workers with adequate personal protective equipment.

Results: The measurements of working environment in welders’ workplaces showed that the main chemicals that  reach workers’ breathing zone are carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide, and metals (manganese, iron, chromium). The results of questionnaires and interviews revealed that 57% of employees provide and only 41% of welders use respiratory protectors against hazardous welding fumes. The results of noise measurements showed that many of the machines used in the metal industry produce high levels of noise. Those values were often above occupational exposure limits, but 35% of workers do not use any personal protective equipment. Workers reported several health problems connected with chemicals and noise.

Conclusion: Working conditions of the metal industry may impair workers’ health considerably. Several safety measures can be implemented to protect metal workers’ health against noise and hazardous welding fumes including noise screens, local ventilation, organizational measures (such as educational intervention, providing chemical material safety data sheets) and adequate personal protective equipment.

Keywords: Occupational hazards, Noise, Chemicals, Metal industry

Background: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), Malaysia 2011 reported that the prevalence of smoking was highest among Malays male i.e., 24.6% (CI:22.1,27.3). The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of a group of smokers towards various national anti-smoking initiatives as well as its association with age and education level.

Methods: The study was conducted in a randomly selected pre-dominantly Malay settlement in Malaysia using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The national anti-smoking initiatives assessed were ‘anti-smoking campaign’, ‘labelling on cigarette pack’, ‘increment of cigarette price’, ‘smoke free zone policies’ and ‘Quit smoking clinic’ initiatives.

Results: A total of 136 Malay male smokers participated in this study. The percentage of respondents agreeing with the questions asked were very low, ranging from only 5.9% to 24.3%, except for one i.e., 99.3% agreed that the information on cigarette packs can be trusted. Assessing the success of various types of national anti-smoking initiatives in helping smokers to quit, the percentage of those who agreed ranged between 17.6% - 24.3% and in helping to reduce numbers of cigarette smoked, the range was from 12.5% to 18.4%. There was a significant association between ‘increment of cigarette price’ initiative with level of education (P=0.02).

Conclusion: The percentage of positive perceptions towards all anti-smoking efforts was low and perception towards ‘increment of cigarette price’ was associated with level of education.

Keywords: Perception, Anti-smoking initiatives, Malaysia