Question : HEALTH HAZARDS



(a) whether the people engaged in the production of salt are highly exposed to adversities of environmental conditions and are suffering from various kinds of occupational health problems; and

(b) if so, the remedial steps taken in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) The studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) amongst the workers engaged in salt manufacturing revealed higher prevalence of headache, giddiness, joint pains, muscular pains and heat crams in salt workers. The skin symptoms / signs like scaling, dryness of skin soreness, burning sensation,fissures, warts and plantar keratodermia was also significantly higher.

(b) Evaluation of use of gumboots and goggles by salt workers as remedial measures was conducted by ICMR. The results suggests that these measures are comfortable for working in salt pans and regular use of them has resulted in decreased absorption of sodium and potassium.