الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
ntroduction: Little information is present regarding health impact of copper and zinc exposure among metal die casting workers in one of Egyptian foundries. Goal of the study: To support health promotion of Egyptian workers in metal die casting foundries. Aim of the work: 1-To measure blood zinc and copper levels among the studied groups, 2- To measure the prevalence of respiratory hazards among exposed workers and their impact, 3-To identify other health problems due to copper and zinc exposure such as anemia and respiratory disorders, and lastly 4) To correlate such problems with blood copper and zinc levels. Participants and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 male workers, 30 of them were the exposed group involved in industrial processes like melting. The other 30 were chosen from the administrative departments in the same foundry as the reference group. All workers were interviewed using questionnaire for occupational history, respiratory and other symptoms. Blood samples were taken to measure serum copper and zinc, hemoglobin (Hb), and white blood cells counts (WBCs). Ventilatory functions were assessed too. Results: The study showed no significant difference in the levels of blood copper and zinc among the studied groups. However, symptoms related to copper and zinc toxicity were significantly more prevalent among the exposed group, like respiratory symptoms, symptoms regarding skin, throat and eye irritation, metallic taste in the mouth and exhaustion. Symptoms suggestive of metal fume fever including flue like symptoms, arthralgia, fever, and leukocytosis were more prevalent among the exposed workers, but without significant difference. There was no significant correlation between copper and zinc blood levels and other findings such as; Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire scores, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate scores, mean Hb, and WBCs level. Conclusion: Although there was no statistical significant difference in blood copper and zinc levels among the studied groups, exposed workers were complaining of different symptoms, one of which was respiratory symptoms that had a significant impact on their social and psychological functioning.