occupational noise exposure and hypertension risk in textile industry workers: a historical cohort study

Occupational noise exposure is a common physical hazard in industrial environments and may contribute to cardiovascular risks, including hypertension. despite increasing evidence, the relationship between chronic workplace noise and hypertension remains inconclusive, particularly among iranian textile workers. this historical cohort study was conducted in 2024 (2024–2025) among 200 male textile workers in mashhad city, iran. participants were classified into three groups based on long-term workplace noise exposure levels: low (60–70 db), moderate (75–85 db), and high (85–95 db). hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmhg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmhg, or current use of antihypertensive medication. demographic and occupational data were collected using validated questionnaires and health records. logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aors), accounting for age, body mass index, and work experience. the overall prevalence of hypertension was 25.5%. age ≥40 years (aor=2.41, p<0.001) and 11–20 years of work experience (aor=2.29, p=0.03) were significantly associated with increased hypertension risk. however, noise exposure level showed no significant association with hypertension (aor=1.12, p=0.62). the study found no significant association between chronic noise exposure and hypertension. instead, age and duration of employment were stronger predictors. these findings underscore the importance of targeting demographic and occupational risk factors in industrial health programs.