Perfil de la exposición ocupacional a ruido en procesos de producción de cemento en Colombia (2010 - 2015)

Abstract

Exposure to noise is considered one of the main risk factors involved in the genesis of sensorineural hearing loss, causing deterioration in the quality of life of workers and economic losses in companies. It is considered that the economic sectors most exposed to this risk factor are manufacturing, construction, oil refineries and hydroelectric plants. This cross-sectional study aims to establish the profile of occupational exposure to noise in cement production processes in Colombia, through the analysis of 458 personal hygiene noise measurements made between 2010 and 2015. In the definition of similar exposure groups were identified and described the functional activities of the exposed population, the results were evaluated taking as a reference value 85 dBA, proposed by the ACGIH TLV-TWA guide (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) of 2014. The results of the study allowed to know the profile of noise exposure in the process of cement production, where were identified higher risk conditions in the Similar Exposure Groups Production, Mine and Mechanical Plant, with exposure values that exceed the permissible limit set by the ACGIH; data that are essential for the development of follow-up, monitoring and control.