(a) the role of the National Institute for Occupational
Health;
(b) whether the NIOH (ICMR) have conducted any surveys of
the health problems of workers;
(c) if so, the details of the outcome thereof, State-wise
particularly in Andhra Pradesh;
(d) whether any camps have also been done by the Institute
to observe and watch such ailments; and
(e) if so, the details of camps held, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) The objectives of the National Institute of
Occupational Health (NIOH), Ahmedabad are to provide a safe,
healthy and comfortable environment for work and living
through multidisciplinary approach. For the purpose, the
institute has undertaken Research, Education and Services.
(b) NIOH has conducted many surveys on health problems of
workers in various industries.
(c) The details of the surveys and their outcome State-wise
has been furnished in the statement annexed.
(d) & (e) This Institute does not organize health camps, but
conduct training programmes and awareness programmes for
workers in industries to create awareness about occupational
health problems and how prevantive measures could be taken.
Annexure
State/District Epidemiological Outcome/Findings Control study Measures Recom mendations
Andhra Prevalence of Dust levels 2- Intervention Pradesh Asbestosis in 244 times Measures
(1) Asbestos Asbestos more than TLV adopted in Mines in Mines` (2 fibre/ml) Asbesiosis Cudappali Prevalence of Miling Unit District Asbeslosis- Partial 11.5% enclosures of Milling - jaw 21.1% crusher,edge Mining - 3.3% runner, Prevalance vibrator & was found to conveyer, increase with alongwith increase in Training in duration of Health exposure Education Programme with regard to use of respiratory mask & protective clothings. Dust levels came down to below the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 2 fiber/ml.
Andhra Immunological Anti-cucler Pradesh : Profile of factor (ANF)
(2) Asbestos Workers JgG, IgA in Mines in having asbestosis Cudappali Asbestosis2 cases and non- District asbestosis cases in controls CIC of d1gG, 1gA,1gM significantly higher in exposed them in controls.
Andhra Occupational `Green Workers were Pradesh Health Symptoms` was advised to
(3) East- Problems found to be a use gloves Godavari among Workers major during District handling occupational harvesting/cu Virginia health ltivation. tobacco problem among 6,7,8,9 the tobacco harvesters. The symptoms included weakness, giddiness, abdominal pain, nauses, vomiting, etc. The prevalence rate was high (53.29%) as reported by 289 toobacco workers Urinary exscretion rate of Nicotine and its major metabolite colins increased significantly among the subjects suffering from Green Symptoms.
Andhra (A) Health Exposure- Suitable Pradesh Monitoring of related personal
(4) Workers morbidity protective Oranophos Manufacturing Neurological- equipment Manufacturing and 21.21% have & Formulating Formulating Bye - 20.6% recommended Medak Insecticides4 Skin for use. District irritation - 34.5% Big joint pain-64.84% Production & (B) Formulation Evaluation of workers Joints showed Problem among decrease in Pesticide Plasna Manufacturing Chofinesteras Plant e Reduction Workers3 on X-Ray Reduction of Serum IgA increased CIC of IgG in workers having joint pain
Multiple joint affection in exposed large joint affection in controls Physical activity- aggravating factor Inhibition of whole blood ACHE Decreased Serum IgG Increased Serum C-4 in exposed group Urinary and Serum Fluride levels suggested that Flurosis could not be a causative factor
Gujarat State A Health Tobacco In order to
(5) Survey of workers prevent green Tobacco engaged in tobacco harvesters-10 tobacco sickness, cultivation suitable and gloves are harvesting recommended come in which contact with significantly tobacco reduce the leaves and absorption of tobacco nicotine plants and through the absorb skin. Trials Nicotine of different through the types of skin. gloves Nicotine acts (cotton, as ganglion nylon, and produce polyester acute or with rubber) chronic toxic are under effects, progress to because of suggest the acute efficacy of toxicity of the Gloves. nicotine, tobacco workers suffer from nausea, vomiting, giddiness, headache, tiredness etc.,which is called `Green tobacco Sickness`(GTTS).
Himachal Environmental- Prevalence of Engineering Pradesh (6) cum-medical chronic control survey in bronchitis, devices llike Cement dyspnoea and electro- factory-11 respiratory static tract precipitator infraction and scrubbing was more in system were exposed installed. workers as compared to unexposed and community control. The prevalence of pulmonary faction testing observations (PFT) was higher in exposed and unexposed workers as compared to community control. Mean valves of total dust were below permissible level (10mg/m- 3) in plant- I,mining operation at coal yards, but in plant- II at Clinker conveyor and bagging department the levels were higher.
Madhya Health The dust Local exhaust Pradesh Hazards of levels were system with Mansoor (7) State pencil alarmingly air purifying workers-12,13 high in system has breathing been zones of developed and cutters in installed. big, medium and small units. Total- 39.78,66.38,3 3.25 mg/m-3 Respirable - 0.04,6.78,15. 4 mg/m-3 Reapiratoiry systems in 55.5% workers
Gujarat Health Status A study in Appropriate Anand (8) of Agate 1987 and control Industry follow up in measures to Workers-14,15 1993 reduce dust suggested production high were prevalence of developed in Silicosis collaboration (38%) and with Gujarat high Rural respiratory Technology morbidity in Institution this worker. Significant A study reduction of including Total and present agate Respiratory grinders, dust levels past agate (70-80%) were grinders, achieved. A family new agate- members and grinding community machine is subject and being control has developed and been the initiated in evaluation of 2000-2001. A its efficacy new agate- has shown grinding encouraging machine is results. been developed at present.