Occupational diseases are among the most pressing health issues in modern work environments. Workers in heavy and hazardous industries are exposed to chemical, toxic, and physical factors that can lead to serious health problems over time.
According to Oxu.Az, the head of the Central Chemical and Toxicological Laboratory of the Ministry of Health, Matanat Akhundova, answered questions on the topic.
What are occupational diseases?
Occupational diseases are directly related to work activities, caused by prolonged exposure to heavy, harmful, and hazardous production factors. These diseases can result in temporary or permanent loss of work capacity.
Main causes include chemical-toxic substances, industrial dust, noise, vibration, radiation, extreme temperatures, and excessive physical strain. Long-term exposure disrupts normal body functions.
Which occupations are dangerous?
According to a decision by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan, high-risk sectors include publishing, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, agriculture, oil refining, metallurgy, mining, construction, light and heavy industry.
High-risk workers include miners, construction workers, welders, chemical workers, farmers, drivers, medical staff, and loaders.
Importance of chemical-toxicological examinations
These examinations are crucial for protecting workers' health and ensuring safe work activities. The impact of harmful factors is detected in time, and diseases are identified early.
The laboratory tests blood and urine samples for heavy metals, volatile toxic substances, and pesticides. In the near future, hair and nail samples will also be used.
Monitoring and research methods
Monitoring of chemical-toxic substances protects the nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. The laboratory uses modern equipment such as ICP-MS, GC, GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, and LC-MS/MS.
The results help monitor workers' health status and identify risk factors early.