Citation

Dias A, Cordeiro R. Noise Health 2008; 10(40): 69-73.

Affiliation

Research Support Center Coordinator from Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu SP, Brazil. adias@fmb.unesp.br.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Noise Research Network, University College London)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19052438

Abstract

Background: Noise is the most common agent of occupational exposure. It may induce both auditory and extraauditory dysfunction and increase the risk of work accidents. The purpose of this study was to estimate the fraction of accidents attributable to noise occupational exposure in a mid-size city located in southeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: In this population case-control study, which included 108 cases and 324 controls, the incidence rate ratio of work accidents controlled for several covariables was obtained by classifying occupational noise exposure into three levels, as well as determining the prevalence in each level. Results: Based on these data, the attributable fraction was estimated as 0.6391 (95% CI = 0.2341-0.3676), i.e., 63% of the work accidents that took place in the study site were statistically associated with occupational noise exposure. Discussion: The causes of this association as well as its implications in the prevention of work accidents are discussed.

Language: en