Page 116 - VERITAS Vol.2 Issue 2

• Occupational epidemiology involves studies that determine whether

occupational exposures are the reason for the risk or cause of adverse

health outcomes. It involves observation of the vulnerability of work-

ers to chemical, biological, or physical agents present in their respec-

tive work environments.

CUP
OMMON O
A
COMMON OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES IN INDIA
C
C
T
SE
S IN INDI
A
A
ION
AL DISE
According to Schedule 3, sections 89 and 90 of the Factories Act, 1948,
some notable occupational diseases in India include:
L
g
:
oisonin
e
ad P
• • Lead Poisoning:
The heavy metal is absorbed primarily through the respiratory and gas-
trointestinal systems and negligibly through cutaneous exposure. The
respiratory pathway primarily depends on particle size, allowing 30-
40% of inhaled lead into the bloodstream, whereas gastrointestinal ab-
sorption allows about 10-15% of ingested lead into the bloodstream.
General signs and symptoms can range from irritability, headaches, and

vomiting to coma, seizures, and motor neuropathy.

ome Ulc
• • Chrome Ulceration:
ion:
t
a
Chr
er
The ulceration of skin due to contact with hexavalent chromium was de-
scribed by Cummings as early as 1827. This disease is common among
workers processing chrome ore, chromic acid, potassium, sodium, and
ammonium bichromate. Acute poisoning takes place through the oral

route, whereas chronic exposure is via inhalation or dermal contact.

Chronic poisoning can lead to diseases ranging from eczematous der-

matitis with edema to deep-seated ulcers [in areas having a break in the

epidermis].
sbe
A
• • Asbestosis:
s
:
osis
t
Asbestosis is a type of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. It is caused by the
inhalation of asbestos fibres over a long period of time. It develops as
scarring takes place in your lung tissue, restricting breathing and reduc-

ing oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

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Veritas Volume: 2, Issue: 2