Occupational health hazards in women beedi rollers in Bihar, India.
We studied the health problems of 197 female beedi rollers in Patna, Bihar, India to ascertain the effects of beedi rolling on health. The study found that more than 70% of the beedi rollers suffered from eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems while more than 50% of the respondents suffered from respiratory problems, mostly throat burning and cough. More than 75% of the respondents faced osteological problems. Total RBC, WBC and platelet counts of the beedi rollers were significantly lower in comparison to the control subjects. Differential leucocyte count showed significantly risen lymphocytes and eosinophils and lowered neutrophils and monocytes in the beedi rollers as compared to the control group. Haemoglobin levels were lower among beedi rollers compared to the control group. SGPT (ALT) enzyme concentration, a parameter of liver dysfunction was significantly higher in the beedi rollers as compared to the control group. Thus, the study concluded that beedi rolling may cause significant health hazards.
Department of Zoology, Patna Women's College, Bailey Road, Patna, 800001 Bihar, India. shahla_apex@yahoo.co.in
Shahla
S
Yasmin
Basri
B
Afroz
Bushra
B
Hyat
Doris
D
D'Souza
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D055815:Young Adult
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006454:Hemoglobins; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase