Journal of Environmental Biology

Epidemiological studies on bicycle manufacturing industrial workers

Vineeta Shukla*¹, Sharda Abusaria², Monika Dhankhar¹ and K.V. Sastry¹

*vin_shukla25@yahoo.com

¹Department of Biosciences, M. D. University, Rohtak-124 001, India

²Department of Zoology, A.I.J.H.M. College, Rohtak-124 001, India

(Received: April 27, 2005 ; Revised received: November 11, 2005 ; Accepted: February 28, 2006)

Abstract: Studies involving health status of bicycle manufacturing industrial workers exposed to chemicals and unexposed workers of the same industry, who formed control were conducted at Sonepat in Haryana State, India. Negligence of industrial hygiene and personal protection affected the health of exposed workers adversely. Epidemiological spectrum of exposed subjects showed much variation from control. Some unique disorders, such as nail impairments, nasal septum perforation and metal fume fever were observed in exposed workers against their absence in unexposed workers. Data showed occurrence of following diseases in the order of asthma>skin disorders>allergic disorders>bronchitis>all other respiratory diseases>nail disorders and acute pharyngitis>pulmonary tuberculosis and loss of smell and hearing>nasal septum perforation showing high risk factor for ‘all other respiratory diseases’ and skin disorders. Importance of occupational health surveillance has been highlighted.

Key words:   Bicycle manufacturing industrial workers, Industrial hygiene, Epidemiological spectrum, Occupational health surveillance

Copyright © 2007Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).