An elementary framework for judging the cardiovascular toxicity of carbon soot: experiences from an occupational health survey of diamond industry workers.
Carbon soot is produced in the process of diamond manufacture. Recent experimental and epidemiological studies have associated exposure to carbon nanoparticles with effects on cardiovascular system and blood cells. The objective of this study is to assess the cardiovascular effects consequent to chronic respiratory exposure of carbon soot. A cross-sectional occupational health survey was conducted in all consenting workers who employed in the production wing of diamond-processing industries. Blood pressure, ECGs, height, weight, and blood counts were measured and evaluated. Blood pressure measurements revealed a high prevalence of hypertension in young workers. Left atrial abnormality (LAA) was the major finding in the electrocardiograms. We found a high prevalence of hypertension in young diamond workers. The LASER saw operators had highest prevalence of LAA. White cell count and prevalence of hypertension was highest for the workers in grinder operations.
National Institute of Occupational Health, Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, 380016, India. rajeshbeniwal@yahoo.com
Rajesh
R
Beniwal
Vijay Kumar
VK
Shivgotra
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D002244:Carbon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018130:Diamond / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D016272:Occupational Health; D053260:Soot / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D053260:Soot; D002244:Carbon; D018130:Diamond