Relationship between health problems associated with working in the Kingston Free Zone and health services within the Free Zone

The aim of this study was to identify the health problems associated with working in the Kingston Free Zone, the types of health services found there and their adequacy, with a view to implement strategies to overcome the the problems. Health problems were associated with working in the Free Zone e.g respiratory and digestive problems were seen as a result of the working conditions found in the Free Zone. Health services were found to be adequate but under utilized. The need for implementation of a few programmes and health services were also identified, such as an occupational health programme and a dental service (AU)

Lead poisoning among household members exposed to lead-acid battery repair shops in Kingston, Jamaica

To investigate the risk of lead poisoning among household members exposed to 'backyard' battery repair shops (BBRS) in Kingston, Jamaica, environmental and blood lead (PbB) were measured at 24 households (112 individuals) with a BBRS worker or located at a BBRS premises and at 18 neighbourhood control households (74 individuals). Elevated PbB (greater than or equal to 25 micrograms per decilitre [micrograms/dl]) was common among subjects of all ages living at BBRS premises, especially among children less than age 12, 43 percent of whom had PbB greater than 70 micrograms/dl. Potentially hazardous soil and house dust lead levels were also common at BBRS premises, where 84 percent of yards had soil lead levels above 500 parts per million (geometric mean 3388 parts per million [ppm] at BBRS premises households with a BBRS worker). Geometric mean blood and environmental lead levels were significantly lower at control households, where less than 10 percent of subjects in all age groups had elevated PbB (maximum 33 microgram/dl). Sharing a premises with a BBRS was a stronger determinant of household blood lead and environmental contamination than was the presence of a BBRS worker in a household. Blood lead levels were associated with soil and house dust lead levels in all age groups. We conclude that small battery repair shops, which have also been described in other developing countries, create a high lead poisoning risk for nearby residents (AU)

Environmental impact assessment - an important tool for decision makers

The use of Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, as a tool for decision makers is described. EIA can be used for identifying, predicting and assessing impacts arising from proposed activities such as major development projects like industrial complexes, highways and water-related projects. Implementation of EIAs is usually for projects for which a number of alternatives may be assessed. The methods used at each stage of the EIA process are identified. The matrix method is used to illustrate an EIA of the development of an industrial complex, port and urban development. The alternatives of continuing with the traditional uses, that is, agriculture (sugar cane), fisheries and recreation are also assessed. Additionally, the impact of a third alternative of changing the monocrop agriculture to diversified agriculture is considered. It is recommended that EIAs are formally integrated into the planning process in Trinidad and Tobago. (AU)

A study of the relationship between stress and hypertension among factory workers in Jamaica

This study was designed to examine the relationship between stress and esssential hypertension among factory workers. Hypertensives were identified through screening, clinical investigations and questionnaire stating details of health related problems. Seven males and females under the age of 50, whose blood pressure remained above 140/90 and twenty-three matched normotensives were selected. The mean age for males and females was 34.4 and 44.2 respectively. Data were obtained by way of taking blood pressure readings at three intervals, a.m., noon and p.m., on Fridays (day 1) and repeated again on Monday(day 2), along with anxiety state and anxiety trait psychological inventory administered on both days. No significant differences between groups and sex were found on systolic, diastolic, age and measures of anxiety state and anxiety trait. Comparisions of correlation showed no significant relationships between anxiety state and anxiety trait compared with systolic and diastolic blood pressures. However, results showed significant positive relationships between anxiety state and anxiety trait, and between systolic and diastolic blood pressures. There was also, a negative correlation between anxiety state and age. The results of this finding indicate that as age increases, stress(anxiety state) decreases. Between systolic and diastolic blood pressures, there was no obvious linear relationship with age. However, when these variables were examined by means of graph, by age group, it was found that the 30-39 yers age group had a lower mean systolic pressure than either age groups, 20-29 and 40-49 years. Results showed that females in the 40-50 age group, tended to have higher blood pressure but lower anxiety than their male counterparts. There were significant differences between hypertensives and normotensives on measures of systolic and diatolic pressure. The hypertensives showed a trend of higher anxiety state, suggesting a greater level of stress than the normotensives. It is evident that psychological and social-environmental factors must be taken into account in the aetiology of essential hypertension. These results suggest that further research on essential hypertension and psychological factors on a longitudinal basis may be valuable in determining the aetiology of essential hypertension (AU)

Arsenic poisoning in a glass factory in Kingston, Jamaica

A case is presented of a 46-year-old labourer in Kingston glass factory who exhibited the typical manifestations of arsenic poisoning after participating in the dismantling of an old furnace in the factory. An investigation of the factory by a Ministry of Health team found the safety practices of the company to be inadequate. Measurement of 24-hour urinary arsenic content in nine workers showed that five had levels above the upper limit of the range acceptable for exposed persons. This case serves to emphasize the need for increased attention to safe industrial practices by Caribbean industries, governments, and health communities (AU)

Dengue fever in St. Ann: a study of two outbreaks of 1969 and 1977 and their implications

This dissertation contains documentary results of the study of two outbreaks of dengue fever in the parish of St. Ann 1969 and 1977 and their implications. The study focused on four main areas: a) a comparison of the outbreaks of 1969 and 1977 to see if there were any differences in the nature and character of the disease b) a study of control programmes instituted 1969 and 1977, c) an investigation into case reporting, d) The effects of industry (AU)

Some effects of industrialization on the parish of Clarendon 1965 - 1975

It is evident from the study that industrialization has created a fair amount of changes in the parish. While some of these changes are very beneficial to the people, there is still scope for more improved conditions (AU)

Towards an occupational health program for Jamaica: a review and two surveys

The study reviews Occupational Health - what it is, its modern practice and how it has developed over time. The situation in Jamaica is examined critically and two occupational health surveys are carried out. (AU)

Effect of industrialization on rural St. Elizabeth 1963 - 1973

At present, some changes can be seen among the inhabitants in general with regards to improved housing and job opportunities. However, there are still many who are unemployed and are unable to take proper care of themselves and provide their offspring with the essential prerequisites - food, clothing and shelter (AU)

Changes in health pattern from an agricultural to an industrial community

As observed there is a marked improvement in the quality of life in the area, which is reflected in housing, employment, income, improved environmental sanitation, and a trend towards a better state of health in the community, as manifested by a decline in the infant mortality rate. Among some of the most striking features of the trend is the disappearance of communicable diseases, like yaws, hookworm, poliomyelitis, and the eradication of malaria. Further advances are made in the control of the physical environment.(AU)

Industrial injuries in the sugar industry of British Guiana

An outline of the incidence and nature of industrial injury among sugar workers in British Guiana is given, and some of the medical and therapeutic, administrative and legal, difficulties met with in dealing with this problem are described. No original observations are made; the purpose of the paper being to draw the attention of the profession in the Caribbean to a problem hitherto of minor importance, which is likely to increase in the future. (AU)