IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND ITS POSSIBLE PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES (REVIEW ARTICLE)

Introduction: Climate change and other types of environmental alteration are of our generation’s most pressing issues. Due to its geographical location and reliance on climate-sensitive economic sectors, Egypt is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Occupational exposure as a result of rising temperatures and climate change has become a threat to the health and safety, productivity, and social well-being of the world’s diverse workforce. Both outdoor and indoor employees are expected to be affected by climate change. Heatstroke, headache, exhaustion, insomnia, heart, kidney, respiratory, and skin disorders, immunological dysfunction, infections, injuries, cancer, and (in severe situations) mortality are among the most common occupational health concerns. High temperature, ozone, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other chemicals are among the occupational exposures that are predicted to rise due to climate change. Climate change has also been linked to an increase in the spread of pathogenic microbes, vector-borne infectious agents, and wildfires, as well as increased workplace violence. Aim of Work: To discuss the different types of occupational exposure that are anticipated to cause climate change, to highlight the regions that would be the most vulnerable to their consequences, and to draw attention to the different preventive measures which are needed to safeguard employees from the health risks of climate change. Conclusion: Climate change could raise the risk of work-related diseases and injuries, necessitating steps to enhance the detection and prevention of its impact on occupational health. Employers, governments, and politicians must implement a variety of methods to safeguard employees against the long-term health effects of climate change. Workers should also be informed of any actions that may be taken to mitigate the health effects of climate change.