Kalika Gupta1, Mitin Parmar2, Pranav Bhavsar3, Milan Chaudhary4
BACKGROUND
Occupational lung diseases are diseases affecting the respiratory system, including
occupational asthma, black lung disease and many more. Workers exposed to
marble dust stand an increased risk of suffering from asthma symptoms, chronic
bronchitis, nasal inflammation and impairment of lung functions. The recognition
of occupational causes can be made difficult by years of latency between exposure
in the workplace and the occurrence of disease. Through this study, authors have
established the importance of early identification of symptoms of occupational lung
diseases and the importance of preventive measures that can be applied to reduce
incidence of such diseases.
METHODS
This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted on 340 marble
mining or cutting workers of Rajnagar [Morwar], Rajsamand district of Rajasthan,
for a duration of three months. Workers were clinically examined and asked about
environmental conditions and use of preventive measures through a questionnaire
designed by the investigators and with the help of pamphlets and videos,
educational interventions were provided.
RESULTS
Almost 90 % of the workers didn’t use protective measure like mask or shield.
Among the 10 % workers who were using safety measures, 60 % were using face
mask and 20 % were using apron at the work place. After the educational
intervention given by investigators, around 63 % had started using various safety
measures.
CONCLUSIONS
Early interventions after development of symptoms are important as they can
decrease chances of further worsening of the condition. Health education, periodic
health check-ups and use of protective measures are the essence in preventing
occupational lung diseases.
