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Undergraduate Special Problem

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14583/30

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Keyword: search.filters.keyword.Health effectsSDG: search.filters.sdg.SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production

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    Occupational exposure to emissions of photocopying machines in Iloilo City: An exploratory study
    Becodo, Cristina M.; Dignadice, Zynie B.; Gaviola, Ma. Thessa Urdolyn M.; Jumares, Analyn G.; Nievales, Cathy Q.; Panizales, Vanessa Grace L.; Teruel, Josie A.; Tingzon, Glynis S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-04)
    Photocopying is a profitable business in Iloilo City. The photocopying machines are known to emit ozone and volatile organic compounds. This study aims to determine whether long-term exposure to photocopying machines will have adverse health effects on the operators. The group extracted blood samples from the respondents; had them undergo chest x-ray examination; answer questionnaires and checklists. From the blood samples, the group determined the WBC count, differential count and serum albumin, total protein and uric acid of the respondents. From the chest x-ray examination, the group aimed to see particles from photocopier emissions deposited in the lungs. From questionnaires, the group aimed to determine the operators’ common health complaints. From the checklists, the group aimed to know if the photocopying establishments have a suitable working space area and ventilation. The group aimed to determine the effect of years and hours of exposure to photocopiers; number of machines; ventilation; working space area; kind and number of toner on WBC count and differential count; health complaints; serum albumin, total protein and uric acid levels; and chest x-ray results of the respondents. Results showed that years and hours of exposure had no significant effect on the photocopier operators. However, other factors such as the number of machines, working space area and ventilation, number and kind of toner had significant effects on selected cell and serum levels in the blood of the operators and on their common health complaints. The group concludes that exposure to photocopying machines have significant effects on the health status of the photocopier operators based on the common health complaints they frequently experience, white blood cell count and differential count and blood serum levels.
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    Pesticide exposure, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP), and laboratory findings of farmers of Barangay San Ambrosio, Igbaras, Iloilo
    Acuesta, Doneza Dee L.; Bernaldo, Alyka Joy D.; De la Pena, Leobert Julienne A.; Diestro, Joan Marie T.; Domingo, Megan Joyce N.; Fortuna, Edward Paul F.; Garrucho, Geraldine F.; Poral, Mechelle Joy L; Suñer, Ma. Alexis Kleanthe D.; Villanueva, Dana Diane C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2014-04)
    This is a cross-sectional study which aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards pesticide use, its health effects, and the laboratory findings of farmers from Barangay San Ambrosio, Igbaras, Iloilo. Specifically, it aimed to determine the association between the number of years of pesticide use and the farmers’ MCV values. A total of 115 farm workers were interviewed and 109 (94.8%) of them reported pesticide usage. Among farmers who used pesticides, 90 (82.6%) consented to undergo CBC testing. Descriptive statistics was used for socio-demographic profile, KAP, and health effects of pesticide use. Whereas, Chi- square analysis was used to determine the association between pesticide exposure and MCV values. The farmers were knowledgeable about pesticides and its health effects, the route of entry into the body, and the fate of pesticide residues. Despite knowing the adverse effects of pesticides, 107 out of the 109 pesticide-using farmers (98.2 %) still agreed on the use of pesticides, and only 2 (1.8 %) were against it. They justified that pesticides are effective in killing pests to produce abundant crops and only some farmers knew that biological (61.5%) and natural control (63.3%) can be used as alternatives for pest control. In addition, most farmers (n = 94, 86.2%) used PPE when applying pesticides but were inadequate: with 81 (74.3%) using long-sleeved shirts, but only 17 (15.6%) using gloves, and 5 (4.6%) using eyeglasses. The lack of complete and proper PPE may be a factor for the self-reported health effects, such as dizziness (n = 59, 54.1 %), which was the most predominant, followed by burning sensation in eyes/face (n = 54, 49.5 %) and headache (n = 48, 44.0 %). No significant association was found between years of pesticide use and MCV using the chi-square analysis (x2 = 0.583, p = 0.318). It would be useful to minimise the use of pesticides, encourage alternative measures, lessen the time of pesticide spraying, and encourage the use of complete PPE. Prevention and intervention programmes regarding the use of protective measures and monitoring the health status of farm workers should be implemented.