Archives of Hygiene Sciences
Volume:6 Issue: 1, Winter 2017

Background & Aims of the Study: Corrosion and scaling play undesirable effects on transmission and distribution system of drinking water. The aim of this study was to assess the corrosion and scaling potential of drinking water resources in Babol city, Iran.
Totally, 54 water samples were collected from 27 wells in spring and autumn. Calcium hardness, pH, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, and temperature were measured, using standard methods. The Langelier, Rayzner, Puckhorius, Larson and aggressive indices were calculated and data were analyzed by SPSS 19. To compare the mean values of each index, the results were analyzed using t-test.
The range of temperature, pH, TDS, total alkalinity and calcium hardness were 16-24°c; 6.8-7.89; 445-1331 mg/l; 322.9-396 mg/l and 250.50-490 mg/l, respectively. The mean of Langelier and Ryznar indices in drinking water samples in spring and autumn was 0.14, 0.15; 7.28 and 7.35, respectively. The mean of Puckhorius and Larson indices in these seasons was 11.9, 11.95 and 0.95 and 0.93, respectively. The mean of aggressive index was 6.17 and 6.27, respectively. Overall, 82.2%, 100%, 94.6%, 100% and 85.7% of water samples were corrosive based on the Langelier, Ryznar, Puckhorius, Larson and aggressive indices, respectively.
According to these results, drinking water of Babol city has corrosion potential. Therefore, the water quality should be controlled based on pH, alkalinity and hardness parameters, along with the use of corrosion resisting materials and pipes in drinking water distribution systems.

Background & Aims of the Study: The Sharp Injuries (SIs) are a percutaneous piercing wound caused by a sharp instrument. Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries (NSSIs) can increase the incidence of cases of Hepatitis B, C and HIV. The purpose of this study was to Investigation of the relative frequency of NSSIs in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Ahvaz, Iran (Razi hospital) over 3-year period (2011–2013).
A descriptive study during 2011-2013 was conducted on 600 HCWs at Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. To measure NSSIs, has been diagnosis and categorized based on the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS). Data about health workers’ age, sex, site of NSIs injury, ward of hospitalization and case of needle stick were collected. Descriptive statistical by SPSS version 16 used for analyzed data in this study.
According to the results of this study, among all nurses, the maximum cases of NSIs were HCWs. Regarding the finding, recapping needle were found in 34.17%, handling needle in 20.25%, suturing in 16.45%, passing needle in 13.92%, transit disposal in 8.86% and dissembling needle in 6.32% of cases. Findings showed that the most NSIs in Razi Hospital were general surgery, emergency, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), operating room, orthopedic and infectious diseases wards during 2011-2013.
Based on these findings, the number of health care-associated with NSIs between nurses in our study may be due to the shortage of nurses, long working hours during the night shift, fatigue and failure to use an appropriate equipment.

Background & Aims of the Study: Heavy metals are the most important and main pollutants because of their accumulation and high toxicity even at very low dose and cause serious hazards to ecological system as well as human health. Thus, their removal has been challenged from drinking water and industrial waters with different technologies. The purpose of this work is to investigate the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.
NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was prepared by the co-precipitation method and then applied for adsorption of Cr(VI) ions from water. Characterization of nanoparticles was carried out via TEM, EDX, XRD and BET analysis. Various physico-chemical parameters like the effect of contact time, pH and adsorbent dose were studied, using batch process to optimize conditions for maximum adsorption.
The results demonstrated that the size of the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was about 12 nm and had selectivity for Cr(VI) adsorption. Also, adsorption process was found to be fast with equilibrium time of 55 min. Optimum pH was found to be 3. Maximum adsorption capacity (qm) as calculated from Langmuir isotherm was found to be 294.1 mg g-1. Analysis of adsorption kinetics indicated better applicability of pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
The results of this study represented that the synthesized NiFe2O4 nanoparticles could be useful for the simultaneous removal of anionic ions from wastewaters.

Background & Aims of the Study: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are part of the main occupational diseases in the workplace. Occupations such as hairdressers are exposed to multiple risk factors of these problems. The study was conducted to assess MSDs and posture analysis among female hairdressers in Tehran, 2015.
In this cross-sectional research, 114 participants were studied. To collect data, demographic questionnaire, body map for assessment of MSDs and Postural Loading on the Upper Body Assessment (LUBA) method to evaluate postures was used. Also, data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis and Spearman correlation tests through SPSS-V20.
The mean and standard deviation of age and experience of the participants were5.34±8.9 and 10±8 years, respectively. In addition, they worked 9.8 hours per day on average. One hundred and thirteen (99.12%) persons have experienced the pain at least in one member of their musculoskeletal system. Most of hairdressers had reported leg, lower back, as well as neck and shoulder pain. According to the posture assessment, 94.2% of people experienced high risk of exposure to risk factors for MSDs.
Findings showed MSDs are high among barbers. Also, the work situations require immediate correction. Correction of workstations and tools design, work rest cycle and reduction in repetitive motions can help to improve working conditions.

Background & Aims of the Study: Heavy metals discharge to environment is a worldwide problem growing in scale. When they accumulate in the environment and in food chains, they can profoundly disrupt biological processes. Peganum Harmala Seeds (PHS) was used as a bio-sorbent, using a continuous system for removing Pb2, Co2, Ni2 and Cu2 ions from aqueous solutions.
PHS was used as adsorbent in adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. A stock solution of Pb(II), Co(II), Cu (II) and Ni (II) was prepared and experiments were down in a column as a reactor. The concentration was determined by atomic adsorption spectroscopy. The effect of various parameters such as pH, contact time, heavy metal concentration, ionic strength, particle size and adsorbent dosage on the process was investigated. Langmuir, Frundlich and Temkin isotherms were studied to evaluate of adsorption isotherms.
The adsorption efficiency was found to be pH dependent and enhanced by increasing the solution pH. Maximum removal of ions were obtained at pH=4-8. The equilibrium time was attained after 30 min and desorption studies were performed, using diluted HNO3, H2SO4 and HCl solution (1M) on adsorbed metal ions from PHS. Results illustrated that adsorbed metal ions could be recovered under acidic conditions. Investigation of the process kinetic was best fitted with pseudo second-order model. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models were tested for describing the equilibrium data. The Langmuir isotherm illustrated the best description of the cobalt and copper adsorption mechanism and Freundlich model describes lead and nickel ions adsorption on PHS.
It was found that PHS would be a good adsorbent for removal of heavy metals.

Background & Aims of the Study: Because of yoghurt is a particular flavor (caused by diacetyl) and appropriate essential oils (from Atanal) as well as enjoy the soft tissue, it is considered as one of the most palatable dairy products. With regards to the yoghurt portion in supplement of protein food needs in our society, it is necessary to ensure its health. In this research the hygienic quality of traditional yoghurt (no licensed) and industrial yoghurt (licensed) during hot and cold seasons (2015-2016) was evaluated. The samples collected from distributed yoghurt in Qazvin province, Iran.
In this cross-sectional study, distributed yoghurt in Qazvin province has formed our statistical society. A total of 95 samples hand-picked during hot and cold seasons randomly. Samples were transferred at 4 °C to the laboratory. The microbiological characteristics of the samples were evaluated in accordance with ISIRI 695. Searching for E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus and also coliforms counting were done according to national standards (ISIRI 5234; ISIRI 6806; ISIRI 5486) by Lauryl Sulfate broth and EC broth, Baird-Parker agar, VRBL agar and Brilliant Green Bile Lactose broth. The YGC agar medium was used for count of fungi (molds and yeasts).
Microbial count showed a significant difference between the traditional and industrial yoghurt samples at the levels which were considered significantly different at P Results have shown that microbial load increase in traditional yoghurt during summer, noticeably. It can indicate poor health conditions in the units, failure to maintain cold chain and inadequate training for vendors dairy products.

Background & Aims of the Study: Leachate production is a major problem for solid waste landfills and causes important threat to health public and environment. One of the typical properties of heavy metals is that they cannot easily decompose in the environment. The aim of this study was to measure of heavy metals concentrations in old-age leachate from Qazvin landfill site, Iran.
Sampling was conducted during summer 2014 from the leachate which was produced in Qazvin landfill site in Lia park. The concentration of heavy metals including Zn, Ni, Hg, Cu, Co, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pb along with pH were measured based on the standard method.
The results of this study indicated the leachate generated from Qazvin landfill site, contains large amounts of different heavy metals. The mean concentration of Zn, Ni, Hg, Cu, Co, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pb were 2.8, 0.2, 0.01, 0.1, 0.08, 0.04, 0.04, 4.6, 1.4 and 1.3 ml/L, respectively. Also pH value was 8.4. The concentration of Fe, Pb, Zn and Mn in the landfill leachate was higher than the permissible standard value which was suggested by Department of Environmental (DOE).
The results suggest that we can achieve the permissible standards to discharge effluents into the surface water, absorbing well and agricultural irrigation by applying biological and physicochemical methods.

Background & Aims of the Study: Petrochemical industry is an important industry in the economic development of the country that causes employees have exposure with several kinds of contamination. The aim of this study was Semi-quantitative assessment of the health risk of occupational exposure to chemical materials and investigation of spirometry indices between employees of petrochemical industry.
Material & This cross-sectional study was conducted in one of the petrochemical industry complex in a special area of Assaluyeh in Iran in 2016. Health risk assessment of exposure to harmful chemical agents was performed in all of units and during three stages (identification of harmful material, determination of hazard rate of the chemical material, exposure rate and estimate of risk rate). Spirometry indices were measured using spirometry.
The results of chemical materials risk assessment showed that Raffinate in Butadiene unit has identified the highest amount of risk rank among 27 chemical materials in investigated units. In comparison with spirometry indices in Olefine unit between age with FVC parameter and history work with FVC and FEV1 parameters has observed a significant and negative correlation (P The results of risk assessment in all of the petrochemical units showed that 48.14% of materials were at low risk level, 29.62% medium risk, 18.51% high risk and 3.7% had very high risk level. The variables affecting on spirometry employees such as age and work experience play an important role in reducing the pulmonary function tests in exposed subjects.

Background & Aims of the Study: Drinking polluted water can transmit diseases, so potable water treatment is one of the most challenging and complex systems in countries. Continuous monitoring for evaluation process in water treatment plant is important. This study aims to investigate performance evaluation of Qom water treatment plant to remove turbidity and coliform in 2005 - 2014.
In this cross-sectional descriptive study, daily results of experiments for coliform and turbidity parameters were collected in 2005 to 2014. Testing method is reported according to standard method. Statistical approaches were done using SPSS. Moreover, results of output water tests were compared with Iranian National standards.
Range of turbidity level in raw water is observed from 1.05-253 NTU. Output turbidity values were less than the standard in all days. The annual average of turbidity and MPN in raw water for ten years were 7.495 NTU and 19.06 respectively. Maximum annual average of turbidity was between 2005 and 2006. Output turbidity values were less than Iranian National standard in all days.
Performance of Qom water treatment plant to remove turbidity and coliforms from water corresponds with Iranian National Standard. Because of desert climate of Qom and also probable creating flood conditions in some seasons, creating fluctuations in incoming water to the plant is possible, that shows the importance of preparedness treatment processes to deal with such critical situations. Studies in field of evaluation water treatment can improve performance processes and possible errors in treatment units.

Background & Aims of the Study: Detergent and phosphate are one of the main and vital threats (eutrophication phenomenon and production of synthetic foam) for the source of drinking water, agriculture and industrial uses in the Ahvaz, Iran that threaten human health. The aim of this study is evaluate to efficiency of the electrocoagulation (EC) process in the removal of detergent and phosphate from car wash effluent.
In this experimental study in a laboratory scale we used a glass tank with a volume of 2-4 liters (effective volume of 2 liters) containing 4 electrode-plate iron and aluminum (AL-AL, AL-Fe, Fe-Fe). Using a bipolar method to convert alternative electricity to direct current, electrodes were connected to a power supply. Daily samples were collected from different car wash sewage. Initial PHs of samples was from 7 to 9. At first, different tests were performed on primary samples. Reaction times were set for 90, 60, 30 minutes with middle intervals of 2 cm.
According to result this study, percentage of phosphate removal in the EC with Al-Fe electrode with an optimum pH = 7 have been from 34 % phosphate removal (in the 10 Volt) to 78% phosphate removal (in the 30 Volt). Percentage of detergent removal in the EC with AL electrode with an optimum pH = 7 have been from 68 % detergent removal (in the 10 Volt) to 94% detergent removal (in the 30 Volt).
Altogether it was found that this method can be used as a confident and convenient method for treating car wash effluent and according to the highest removal efficiency of the process, effluent can be discharged safely into the environment.

Background & Aims of the Study: Disregarding the health and use of polluted equipment in barbers lead to microbial infection expansion, skin diseases and particularly hematic diseases including AIDS and hepatitis. Hence, the aim of present study is determining the health condition of female barbers of Kangavar city, Iran, in order to improve the health level and public health.
In this cross-sectional study, 167 Kangavar female hairdressers were systematically selected from five points randomly. The data were obtained through questionnaires and check list completion. Data analysis was performed using SPSS21.
The level of knowledge, attitude and overall performance of the studied units were 78.66%, 93% and 79.71% respectively. There was not a significant relationship between their attitude, performance and knowledge in the present study (Pvalue Knowledge, attitude and performance of subjects were at a good level. However, due to problems related to salons environmental health, it can be said that the existing attitude had not converted to performance.

Background & Aims of the Study: Heavy metals are one of the most important environmental pollutants which agricultural and industrial activities and urban development increased their entry rate to the underground resources. This study aimed to investigate the concentration of chromium, nickel and manganese in groundwater resources in Asadabad plain.
Sampling of groundwater done in 2015 autumn. In this study, according to the Cochran’s sample size formula, tote formula, totally 60 samples of groundwater of Asadabad plain were collected from 20 wells and after preparation stage with atomic device, elements concentration of samples is read. To analysis of data SPSS 19 with significant level of 0.50 is used.
The concentration average of Chromium, Nickel and Manganese equal to 0.044¬ ±0.016, 70.42±10.83 and 2.64±0.83 ppb. The comparison results of the concentration average of elements based on WHO and ISIRI standard shows the concentration average of elements is lower than standard level.
Currently the groundwater resources of Asadabad plain are not polluted with heavy metals, but long-term excessive use of agricultural inputs and construction of polluting industries can cause a threat to groundwater resources in this area.

Background & Aims of the Study: Recent studies indicated that particulate matter can have the lung irritation, chronic lung diseases, lung tissue, etc. The aim objective of this study was to assess the mortality associated with exposure to PM10 concentrations in Ilam, Iran, during 2013.
PM10 data were taken from Ilam's Local Agency of Environment (I-LAE). The annual mortality, including total, cardiovascular, and respiratory due to PM10 were estimated, using AirQ2.2.3 software model. The relative risk (RR) and baseline incidence (BI) defaulted by WHO were used for this purpose.
The number of excess cases for total, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality was estimated 161, 85 and 17 persons, respectively for a year exposure to PM10 among the people. About 3.95% of mortalities were occurred in the days with concentration levels less than 20 μg/m3. The most percentage of person-days attributed to different levels of PM10 was found to be in concentration of 40-49 µg/m3.
In order to diminish the health impacts of particulate matter in Ilam city, health training by health systems should be conducted to public people especially persons with chronic lung and heart diseases, elderly and children to reduce their activities in the dusty days.

Background & Aims of the Study: A feed forward artificial neural network (FFANN) was developed to predict the efficiency of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal from a contaminated soil, using soil washing process with Tween 80. The main objective of this study was to assess the performance of developed FFANN model for the estimation of TPH removal.
Several independent repressors including pH, shaking speed, surfactant concentration and contact time were used to describe the removal of TPH as a dependent variable in a FFANN model. 85% of data set observations were used for training the model and remaining 15% were used for model testing, approximately. The performance of the model was compared with linear regression and assessed, using Root of Mean Square Error (RMSE) as goodness-of-fit measure
For the prediction of TPH removal efficiency, a FANN model with a three-hidden-layer structure of 4-3-1 and a learning rate of 0.01 showed the best predictive results. The RMSE and R2 for the training and testing steps of the model were obtained to be 2.596, 0.966, 10.70 and 0.78, respectively.
For about 80% of the TPH removal efficiency can be described by the assessed regressors the developed model. Thus, focusing on the optimization of soil washing process regarding to shaking speed, contact time, surfactant concentration and pH can improve the TPH removal performance from polluted soils. The results of this study could be the basis for the application of FANN for the assessment of soil washing process and the control of petroleum hydrocarbon emission into the environments.

Oxidative stress increases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) gene expression in endothelial cells that contributes to vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress generates by dys-regulated redox balance between ROS producing systems and antioxidant systems. Also, Curcumin (Cur) as a main part of turmeric has anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and antitumor effects. This study was conducted to test the Curcumin as an environmental potent antioxidant decreases risk of arthrosclerosis. This experimental study was conducted during 2015 in Iran. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (20, 40 and 80 µM) and Curcumin (10 µM) for 24h. Then, the level of PDGF gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time PCR in untreated and treated cells. The results demonstrated significant increase in the level of PDGF gene expression in H2O2 treated groups versus control. Also, treated groups with H2O2 -Curcumin showed notable decrease in the level of PDGF gene expression compared with H2O2 treated groups. Our results support valuable data about the application of Curcumin for protection against atherosclerosis.