title: Health impact and noise exposure assessment in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir, India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to identify and evaluate predominant noise sources in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sound levels were measured at operator's ear level in the working zone of the workers of seven cricket bat factories. The impact assessment was made through personal interviews with each worker separately during their period of rest.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On average, 62.5% of the workers reported difficulty in hearing and 24.1% of the workers have become patients for hypertension. Only 58.1% of the workers complained of headache due to high noise level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The workers engaged in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir are exposed to high noise levels. It is suggested that personal protective equipment like ear plugs and ear muffs be used by these workers as a protection against this hazard.
authors.affiliation: a Jiwaji University , India.
authors.forename: Javid
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manzoor
authors.affiliation: a Jiwaji University , India.
authors.lastname: Mamta
authors.affiliation: a Jiwaji University , India.
authors.forename: Rayavarapu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jaganadha Rao
authors.affiliation: b ITM University , India.
authors.forename: Khursheed Ahmad
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Wani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D006261:Headache / Q000453:epidemiology; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016272:Occupational Health; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Kashmir; health; noise; protection; workers