Occupational exposures to metals dust in foundry industries

Occupational and environmental exposures to metals dust continue to be among the most significant public health problems. Foundry industry is the simplest of all metallurgical processes and one of the oldest of all industries, it further indicates how the foundry industry contributes to environmental pollution. It can have adverse effects on many organ systems as thyroid, liver, kidney and haematological profile. The working environment of foundries is hazardous and characterized by multiple simultaneous chemical, physical and mechanical hazards exposure, which would lead to injuries of foundry workers. Health risks from working in the foundry industry include exposure to molten metal fume, heat and spray mists. Hazards in foundries are many and very dangerous both to foundry workers' health and to the environment which eventually affect the wider population.