Objective To investigate the impact of noise produced in the process of paper manufacturing on workers' blood pressure.
Methods Sound pressure levels of different workplaces were detected in a large paper mill. Workers with occupational exposure to the noise in the mill were selected as observation group and administration staff from other factories as control group. A physical examination including blood pressure was conducted. Data obtained were used to analyze the prevalence of hypertension in workers with different noise exposure levels.
Results The prevalence of hypertension in the observation group (9.1%) was obviously higher than that in the control group (4.9%) (P<0.01). Trend chi-square test showed a clear doseresponse relationship between noise exposure (8 h equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, LAeq) and the prevalence of hypertension (P<0.05).
Conclusion Noise pollution exists in the paper mill. Long-time exposure to the noise could affect workers' blood pressure and induce hypertension.
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