Effect of Chronic Noise Exposure on Aggressive Behavior of Automotive Industry Workers

BACKGROUND: Noise pollution is one of the important harmful physical factors in work environment in developed and developing countries. It not only causes a variety of physiological effects, but also accounts for psychological disorders. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of chronic exposure to noise on aggression in automotive industry workers. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study conducted in an Iranian automotive industry, a group of workers were randomly selected from different parts of the paint shop. The workers' aggression level was measured using the Buss and Perry's questionnaire. The noise level was also measured at the workplace. Using linear regression analysis, the relationship between the level of aggression and noise level was evaluated. RESULTS: 250 workers with a mean age of 36.1 (SD 3.7) years were studied. There was a significant (p<0.05) correlation between the measured noise intensity and the aggression level of the studied workers. CONCLUSION: Exposure to noise in work environment increases the incidence of tension and inappropriate behavior associated with aggression. Controlling noise through use of protective equipment might reduce the deleterious effects of noise on workers.