Abstract
Backgr ound: Continuous exposure to occupational noise may create physiological derangements of parameters pertaining to stress and anxiety of an individual’s life. Controversial outcomes over the years from different studies made this a topic of debate.

Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of noise exposure on blood pressure of textile mill workers depending on the intensity of noise.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 male textile mill workers were enrolled for the study. 30 workers from each section including weaving, spinning, packaging and administration section, of the textile mill on the basis of noise level, were selected. They were categorized into groups on the basis of high noise exposure and low noise exposure. The age group criteria for this study were 35-55 years. Blood pressure of this study population was estimated using sphygmomanometer using auscultatory method. Body mass index and heart rate were also noted.

Results: Significant results were obtained in this study. 22.5% workers were found to be hypertensive in this study population. The maximum numbers of hypertensive were found in weaving section. 5.8% workers of the total study population were having isolated systolic hypertensive and isolated diastolic hypertensive. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP) were found be significantly higher in high noise group (<0.05) compared to low noise group. Highest levels of SBP, DBP, MAP, and PP were found in weaving section with noise level between 95 and 100 db. Heart rate was also found to be significantly (<0.05) increased in high noise group.

Conclusion: Continuous exposure to occupational noise may lead to adverse changes in blood pressure from mild risk to moderate risk depending on the intensity of noise. It may give lead to cardiovascular abnormalities, e.g., stroke and myocardial infarction. Occupational noise with higher intensity (>90 db) may be associated with hypertension.

Key words: Occupational Noise; Pulse Pressure; Mean Arterial Pressure; Cardiovascular Risk