Vibration Disease among Farmers Induced by Vibration Tools.
Authors
Takamatsu-M; Sakurai-T; Chang-P
Source
Proceedings of the VII International Congress of Rural Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, September 17-21, 1978, International Association of Agricultural Medicine 1978 Sep:188-190
Abstract
Vibration disease among farmers induced by vibrating tools was discussed. The results of studies of the incidence of vibration disease among Japanese farmers were reviewed. These have shown that the types of jobs that involve using vibrating tools or machinery include rice planting, cattle raising, mushroom and tea planting, and parttime employment as forestry and construction workers. Tools frequently associated with vibration disease in farmers include brush cleaners, chain saws, concrete breakers, and rock drills. The most severe symptoms of vibration disease were reported by farmers planting mushrooms and working parttime in forestry and construction jobs. The etiology of vibration disease was discussed. The vibrational frequency of the tool is directly related to the specific type of clinical disorder whereas the intensity of vibration is related to the degree of disorder. Many vibrating tools emit considerable noise which can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Cold weather is considered an important environmental factor in vibration disease. The symptomatology, treatment, and prevention of vibration disease were discussed. Vibration disease may be divided into four stages. The first two stages are characterized by peripheral symptoms generally of mild to moderate severity. Stage-III and stage-IV involve serious peripheral symptoms and central nervous system involvement. Treatment involves hospitalization for patients with late stage-II or stage-III or IV disease. Kinesitherapy and physiotherapy supplemented by vasodilation with appropriate medication should be performed. The best preventive measure is to minimize exposure to vibrating tools.
Keywords
NIOSH-Grant; Grants-other; Hand-tools; Vibration-disease; Vibration-effects; Medical-treatment; Agricultural-workers; Occupational-health; Environmental-factors; Hand-injuries; Clinical-symptoms; Cardiovascular-system; Occupational-exposure;
Contact
Prev Med & Environmental Hlth University of Iowa Inst/agric Med & Environ Hlth Iowa Oakdale, Iowa 52319
Document Type
Conference/Symposia Proceedings;
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R13-OH-00694
Priority Area
Other Occupational Concerns; Grants-other;
Source Name
Proceedings of the VII International Congress of Rural Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, September 17-21, 1978, International Association of Agricultural Medicine
Performing Organization
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
