DOI: 10.11648/j.eas.20261104.13 ISSN: 2575-1468

Assessment of Blood Pressure Variation Due to Noise Exposure Among Machine Operators Without Ear-protection at Workshops

Edwin Aboche, Ezekiel Makama, Oladele Anjorin, Nestor Chagok
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Blood pressure variability (BPV) has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, including death and end-organ damage, according to several studies. Industrialization is typically linked to noise pollution, which can have negative health implications. Sounds in industries and workshops are classified as noise pollution when human activity exceeds the recommended threshold. The aim of the study is to determine blood pressure (BP) variation as a result of noise exposure among machine operators without ear protection at workshops, using an automatic arm BP monitor (model RAK269) with an accuracy of BP within ±3 mmHg. The longitudinal method was used for BP measurements of the operators before and after operating the industrial machine for two hours. The results showed that after using the machine, 44 operators between the ages of 20 and 29 had a mean BP elevation of 125.2/82.8 mmHg and a mean variability in their BP of 17.2/8.1 mmHg, which is in the prehypertensive range, with noise exposure level between 107.5 and 115.0 dBA. When exposed to noise pollution levels of 110.2–117.3 dBA, the 64 operators between the ages of 30 and 39 had a mean BP elevation of 129.7/84.8 mmHg and a BP variability of 20.4/9.0 mmHg, both of which are in the prehypertensive range. Furthermore, the 17 operators within the ages of 40 and 49 had a mean BP elevation of 135.5/86.6 mmHg, and their BP variation was recorded at 24.5/9.9 mmHg, which is also in the prehypertensive range when they are exposed to noise pollution that varies from 111.9 to 117.6 dBA. In conclusion, it has been confirmed that using an angle grinder or aluminium cutter without wearing ear protection directly affects the operators' SBP/DBP, raising their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other health issues associated with high noise exposure in workshop settings. In order to protect their health, operators must wear ear-protection and routinely monitor their blood pressure and hearing sensitivity, regulatory bodies to mandate the use of earplugs, earmuffs, and other ear protection at workshops.

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