Collection Occupational hygiene, Issue 25, 1989 year

Working conditions and morbidity of workers in contact with mercury and chlorine during the production of caustic soda by electrolysis

V.B. Nizhniy


doi

Kiev Research Institute of Occupational Hygiene and Occupational Diseases

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At present, in the study of the etiology, pathogenesis and prevalence of diseases and the causes of death from them, insufficient attention is paid to the effects of chemical factors of the working environment on the organism of workers [5].

The purpose of the work is to study the working conditions and morbidity with temporary disability (TDI) working in production, in which the leading occupational hazard is chemical substances. The combined effect on the body of working mercury and chlorine is observed primarily during the production of caustic soda by electrolysis.

The working conditions of persons in contact with mercury and chlorine during their work were studied by us on the basis of one of the chemical enterprises, where the process of electrolysis of sodium chloride (electrolysers R-50) is used to obtain highly pure alkalis. Metallic mercury serves as the cathode. During the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution, mercury vapor is mixed with the evolved gases - chlorine and hydrogen; mercury impurities are also found in alkali.

In the structure of cardiovascular morbidity among workers in the main group, the largest share was made up of vegetative-vascular dystonia (in cases of disability), coronary heart disease (in cases and days of disability). The incidence of ischemic heart disease in the main group was 4.4 times higher than the average for this enterprise in cases and 4 times in days of disability. The frequency of essential hypertension exceeded the average level by 3.2 times in cases and days of disability. Diseases of the cardiovascular system were most often detected in persons with work experience of 10 years or more.

The growth of ZVUT with increasing length of service indicates that working conditions affect the health of workers. The data obtained suggest that chemical factors

working environment are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. In order to prevent further air pollution of the working area with mercury and chlorine vapors during the production of caustic by the electrolysis method, it is necessary to ensure the sealing of workplaces and technological processes, as well as the effective operation of local exhaust and general supply and exhaust ventilation.

Chlorine and mercury should be regularly measured in the air in industrial premises.

When conducting periodic medical examinations of workers, special attention should be paid to identifying diseases of the cardiovascular system. If necessary, they should be transferred to work that is not associated with exposure to harmful chemicals.

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