[Morbidity patterns of workers employed in pharmaceutical-chemical industry].

Introduction: Work in pharmaceutical-chemical industry is characterized by exposure to numerous hazards, both physical (microclimate, illumination, noise) and chemical (organic solvents). Organic solvents can cause damage to many organic systems and have carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic effects.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze patterns of chronic morbidity of workers employed in pharmaceutical-chemical industry during 2002.

Method: The study was conducted in the pharmaceutical-chemical industry "Zdravlje" Leskovac in 2002. A total of 143 workers in workplaces with special working conditions exposed to chemical hazards as well as 40 workers from control group took part in the study. The physical examinations of the participants were performed at the Department of Occupational Health in Health Center, Leskovac.

Results: Heart diseases were the most frequent both among exposed workers (17.8%) and in control group (33.3%). Respiratory diseases were at the second place (16.9% in the exposed group, and 7.4% in control group). Arterial hypertension was diagnosed in 14.7% workers occupationally exposed to hazards, and in 12.5% workers from control group (p > 0.05). Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 175% of the exposed workers and in only 5.0% of controls (p > 0.05). The highest prevalence of diseases in both groups was observed among workers aged 40-49 years, with 20-29 years of exposure working time. 73.4% of the exposed workers and 85% of control workers were capable of work (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Workers occupationally exposed to hazards in pharmaceutical-chemical industry have higher prevalence of various diseases compared to non-exposed workers, which can be the result of work, working conditions and work activity. Preventive measures should be directed towards the decrease of occupational hazards and unfavorable working conditions and increase of work protection. Regular physical examinations of workers are of prime importance for the prevention of occupational morbidity, traumatism and invalidity.