Formic acid is widely used in rubber latex coagulation, especially in semiurban and rural industrial settings. Its unregulated handling poses significant occupational health hazards. The objectives of the case series are to document the clinical, toxicological, and autopsy findings in six fatal cases of formic acid poisoning among rubber industry workers in Tripura, India. To document the clinical, toxicological, and autopsy findings in six fatal cases of formic acid poisoning among rubber industry workers in Tripura, India. This retrospective case series analyzed clinical records, autopsy findings, histopathology, and toxicology reports of six deceased individuals exposed to formic acid through ingestion or inhalation. All victims were rubber factory or plantation workers; five deaths were suicidal and one accidental. Common features included metabolic acidosis, gastrointestinal corrosion, pulmonary edema, and multi-organ failure. Histopathology revealed acute tubular necrosis, gastric mucosal necrosis, and alveolar edema. Toxicology confirmed lethal levels of formic acid. These cases highlight critical gaps in occupational safety, chemical handling practices, and mental health support in industrial environments handling corrosive agents like formic acid.
Background:Teaching requires prolonged and intense voice use, making teachers vulnerable to voice-related symptoms. Although international evidence is strong, limited data are available from Tamil Nadu on how demographic, occupational, and preventive factors influence these symptoms. Aims:To examine the relationship between voice-related symptoms and demographic, occupational, and preventive factors among school teachers in Tamil Nadu, India. Settings and Design:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in government and private schools across Tamil Nadu between June 2023 and June 2024. Methods and Material:Four hundred full-time teachers, including general educators, special educators, physical education instructors, and language/subject specialists, participated. A structured questionnaire collected information on demographic details, teaching profile, self-reported voice symptoms, and voice-care practices. Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Associations between variables were tested using Pearson's Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results:More than half of the participants (57.8%) reported vocal tiredness at the end of the teaching day. Voice changes during the academic year were reported by 42.9%, and 21.8% experienced a voice problem lasting longer than two weeks in the previous year. Preventive voice-care behaviors were reported by 53.5%, and 68.3% consumed water regularly while teaching. Vocal tiredness was significantly associated with age (χ²=8.92, P = 0.03), gender (χ²=6.72, P = 0.01), educator category (χ²=8.21, P=0.04), and class size (χ²=6.41, P = 0.04). Preventive practices differed significantly by school sector (χ²=6.50, P = 0.01). Conclusions:Voice-related symptoms are common among teachers in Tamil Nadu. Younger age, female gender, physical education teaching, and larger class sizes increase risk, highlighting the need for structured vocal health promotion in schools.
Background: Women in agriculture especially in rural India, are susceptible to a number of occupational health risks. Despite their contribution, less importance is given on the impact of agricultural work on women's physical, reproductive, and mental health, especially in the context of hazardous chemical exposure and unfavourable working conditions. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the mental, reproductive and occupational health issues faced by women agricultural workers in Mysuru, Karnataka. Settings and Design:A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the villages under the three Primary Health Centres in the Mysuru district. Material and Method: A total of 368 women agricultural workers aged 18 and above, with at least one year experience in farming, were selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected using structured interviews and general health examinations. Statistical Analysis: The relationships between occupational characteristics and health outcomes were examined using binary logistic regression and chi-square testing in SPSS version 22.Result:A significant proportion of individuals reported mental stress (29.35%), physical pain (21.46%), and chronic conditions such diabetes (27.17%) and hypertension (24.45%). Menstrual abnormalities were associated with pesticide exposure (p=0.004), and only 4.62% of respondents reported using personal protective equipment (PPE). Pain and poor mental health were substantially correlated with longer duration of work (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings highlight significant occupational health risks among women in agriculture. The health and working conditions of this vulnerable workforce need to be improved by gender-sensitive interventions, health education, and improved safety protocol enforcement.
Silicosis is a well-recognized occupational lung disease commonly associated with high-risk industries, such as mining and quarrying. However, cases continue to emerge from nontraditional sectors. We report a case series of two patients employed in the Teflon coating industry who developed silicosis while working in this industry. Case 1 presented with exertional breathlessness and recurrent hemoptysis for one yr with crackles and clubbing. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax showed right upper lobe aspergilloma. Case 2 presented with a dry cough and hemoptysis for six months with inspiratory crackles and clubbing. HRCT thorax showed bilateral fibrobronchiectasis in upper lobes. These cases underscore the need to reevaluate occupational health policies, implement stringent workplace evaluations, and expand compensation eligibility for workers in these industries.
Background: Extensive standing activities among various professions like nurses, teachers, security guards, and so on, can increase predisposition to corns, callus, heel spur, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and even varicose veins. This study aims to explore the extent and onset of discomfort experienced by individuals exposed to extensive standing; identifying some major contributors to their discomfort and commonly adopted management for this discomfort. Methodology: Healthy women (n = 162) of age group 30-45 years, occupationally exposed to extensive standing for nearly 40% of the shift duration (8 hours), responded to structured questionnaire with the foot map and Likert scale reporting the region and intensity of discomfort experienced during complete work shift at regular time intervals. Pedobarographical investigations were conducted to identify the plantar pressure distribution and magnitude. Results: Almost 60% of respondents started feeling pain after 3 hours of continuous standing. Discomfort in area of hind foot was most prevalent and overlapping areas of discomfort were unveiled. Significant association (r = +0.42; P < 0.05) between generated intensity of discomfort and duration of standing was identified. Pedobarographical investigations revealed significant reduction in pressure in shod condition than in bare foot situation (P = 0.03). Redistribution of maximum pressure-generating zones of plantar pressure was also observed in shod condition. Conclusion: Extensive standing may affect productivity at workplace considerably, necessitating the relevant effective management. Thus, pain management with respect to time followed by identification of plantar pressure evaluations was important to intervene precisely with time management and pressure redistribution strategies to mitigate this encrypted occupational discomfort.
Background:Workplace-related ocular injuries (WROI) are a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries where occupational safety measures are often insufficient. This study investigates the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of WROI among Southern Railways employees in India, aiming to improve preventive strategies and workplace safety.Methodology:This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South India over a one-year period (January to December 2024). Medical records of 159 railway employees who sustained WROI were reviewed. Data included demographic details, type and cause of injury, visual acuity, use of protective eyewear, time of presentation, and treatment modalities.Results:The study population was predominantly male (95%), with the highest incidence in the age group of 21-40 years (99%). Mechanical injuries (primarily corneal foreign bodies) were more common than nonmechanical injuries (notably radiation-related photokeratitis from welding. Adnexal injuries were observed in 15.2% of cases. Occupations involving welding and grinding accounted for 59.75% of injuries, followed by construction work. Most injuries were unilateral (84.2%), and 81% of patients sought treatment within 24 h. Despite availability, only 16.9% of patients reported using protective eyewear at the time of injury; discomfort and poor visibility were cited as key reasons for noncompliance. At presentation, 89.9% had visual acuity of 6/60 or better. Medical management sufficed in over 95% of cases.Conclusion:Mechanical injuries are the most prevalent, often associated with inadequate use of protective equipment. Improved safety training, better-designed protective gear, and stricter enforcement of safety protocols could significantly reduce the incidence of WROI.
Aims:To evaluate the impacts of seminal concentrations of selected pesticide residues on SFA parameters and seminal antioxidants in men with abnormal sperm parameters. Settings and Design:An analytical cross-sectional study of consenting infertile male patients, with at least one abnormal seminal fluid analysis (SFA) parameter, at a tertiary Health Centre. Methods and Materials:Between July 2022 and June 2023, 130 men with abnormal sperm parameters and 130 with normal sperm parameters were studied as controls. Semen samples were collected, treated, and centrifuged. Analyses included pesticide residues (GC/MS), Vitamins C and E (spectrophotometry), and enzyme levels (ELISA), with data analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Result:Subjects showed significantly higher seminal pesticide levels and lower antioxidant levels than controls. Sperm count and motility were positively linked to antioxidant status and negatively linked to pesticide levels, except for Carbamate. Seminal levels of Malathion (13.57 ± 2.68 vs 3.54 ± 1.81 μg/ml, P < 0.001), DDT (24.03 ± 1.93 vs 13.65 ± 1.75 μg/ml, P < 0.001), Permethrin (28.59 ± 3.87 vs 3.82 ± 1.78 μg/ml, P < 0.001), and Carbamate (35.75 ± 1.52 vs 17.75 ± 3.90 μg/ml, P < 0.001) were significantly higher among subjects than controls, respectively. Also, seminal levels Vitamin C (21.74 ± 2.30 vs 54.55 ± 2.78 mg/100 ml, P < 0.001), Vitamin E (5.62 ± 2.17 mg/100 ml vs 14.73 ± 1.62 mg/100 ml, P < 0.001), GPx (74.28 ± 2.63 vs 136.14 ± 2.79 IU/L, P < 0.001), and CAT (102.28 ± 1.44 vs 185.57 ± 1.24 IU/L, P < 0.001) were significantly lower among subjects than controls. Conclusion:Human exposure to various types of pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides used in various daily activities at homes, farmlands, and agricultural storage sites, negatively affects semen parameters and semen antioxidant status.
Context:In India, women bear a multitude of obligations, including caring for dependents, raising children, and managing the home, all while compromising their own health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that women are experiencing higher levels of stress. Aims and Objectives:(1) To assess health- and wellness-related practices among working women in India. (2) To determine demographic and work-related factors associated with wellness among the working women. Settings and Design:It was an online cross-sectional study conducted by investigators at a tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods:Snowball sampling method was used in the study to get the responses from the participants. Total 441 responses were received, which were analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics was calculated based on the type of data. The Chi-square test of significance was used to show the association. Results:The mean age of the participant was 39.61 years with standard deviation ± 7.89 years. Most of the participants were married, had higher education, and belonged to a nuclear family. They were working in different occupational sectors. Though the majority, i.e., 70.75% of the women, had good health and wellness score, a notable portion of women showed poor score, which had significant association with younger age and long job hours. Conclusion:The findings indicate that younger age and long working hours are associated with poor scores. While a majority of women in this study report good health scores and satisfactory work-life balance, the significant percentage experiencing poor scores highlights critical areas for improvement.
Background: The stock market is crucial to the economy, investors playing a critical role in wealth creation. However, more than 95% of investors experience losses, primarily due to psychological, or behavioral obstacles. Fluctuating stress levels, lack of emotional control, delayed decision-making, indecision, lack of concentration, and unclear goals, are commonly cited reasons for most investors losing money in the stock market. Objectives: This study tries to find if practicing yoga can help such investors to mitigate the perceived stress, enhance the attention levels, and thereby increase the financial performance in terms of Return on Investment. Methods: In this study, stock market investors with a minimum of three months of experience were selected using a snowball sampling approach. Participants were then assigned to either the experimental or control group based on their convenience. The dependent variables of interest included the perceived stress scale (PSS), the attention control scale (ACS), and return on investment (ROI). Results: Investors in the experimental group underwent a 30-day yoga intervention. Results revealed a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress (P < 0.05), a significant increase in attention levels (P < 0.05), and a notable improvement in profitability (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest the potential effectiveness of yoga as a strategy to enhance mental well-being and financial performance in Stock Market Investors.
Acute silicosis is a rare and severe form of silicosis caused by intense exposure to crystalline silica dust. This study highlights five concerning cases in migrant laborers, all traced to a single occupational source. These patients developed extensive lung involvement after a remarkably short exposure period and presented with severe secondary complications, including pneumothorax, cor pulmonale, right heart failure, and silicotuberculosis.
Background:Reasonable accommodation for persons with severe mental disorders is a critical aspect in ensuring their successful employment and integration into society. Providing reasonable accommodations is essential in employing individuals with cognitive disabilities.Materials and Methods:The current study used a qualitative approach to understand the perspectives of mental health professionals (MHPs) on the construct of reasonable accommodation at the workplace for persons with severe mental disorders (PwSMD). Applying a purposive sampling technique, twelve MHPs were selected to participate in this study. All interviews were audio recorded, and session notes were added to the existing data and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.Results:Seven themes emerged such as Interview and Selection Phase, Work Schedule Modification, Modification in Breaks and Leaves, Work Nature Modification, Work Environment Modification, Empathy and Warmth during Supervision, Multi Stakeholder Collaborations.Conclusion:MHPs with expertise in understanding SMDs and their impact on individuals' lives play a vital role in shaping and advocating for effective RA practices. However, providing RA for PwSMD is a multifaceted issue that involves legal, social, and individual considerations. It is essential to understand the facilitating factors, legal provisions, and employer perspectives to ensure the successful employment of individuals with mental disabilities.
Context: Resident doctors face immense work-related challenges that impact their quality of life (QoL), leading to stress, burnout, and psychological issues. Various factors, like gender, marital status, and medical speciality, affect these outcomes. Aims: This study explored the association between QoL and sociodemographic factors among resident doctors to enhance their well-being and professional satisfaction in tertiary care hospitals. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 50 resident doctors aged between 23 and 45 years of both genders, following ethical committee approval and informed consent. Sociodemographic data and lifestyle factors were collected, and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess QoL. Statistical Analysis: The unpaired t-test for comparing two means and ANOVA for more than two means, with a significance threshold of P < 0.05.Results: The study found that most resident doctors were satisfied with QoL and general health. Environmental (63.4) and physical health (61.0) domains scored highest, while psychological health scored lowest (38.9). Social health was higher among married residents, while male residents had better physical and psychological health, which improved with age (>30 years). Exercise showed a significant positive association with social health (P = 0.027). Conclusions: The study highlighted that though resident doctors reported satisfactory QoL and general health, psychological health is a key area of concern. Psychological health had the lowest score in four domains of QoL, varying by gender, age, and marital status.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of occupational morbidity. Motormen face increased risk due to prolonged posture and poor ergonomics. The current study determined prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and postural risk in motormen of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 motormen. Work profile was assessed using a self-developed and validated questionnaire, musculoskeletal discomfort using Nordic musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and postural risk using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Of 200 male motormen with a mean age of 52.52 ± 31.3 years, 74.5% (n = 149) reported musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months, whereas 21.5% (n = 43) had pain in the past 7 days. The most common sites of pain were the shoulder (71%), neck (68%), lower back (60%), and wrist/hand (60%). The majority of motormen (98.5%) had moderate risk as per REBA score. Logistic regression analysis revealed working hours (P = 0.02) was associated with musculoskeletal pain. High prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was reported in motormen. Postural risk analysis revealed a moderate level of risk for development of musculoskeletal disorders.
Background:Popocatepetl, Mexico's second-most active volcano, intensified to level two in May 2023. This study aimed to analyze morbidity related to this eruption in nearby Puebla municipalities. Methods:An interdisciplinary, ecological, and correlational study was conducted in communities 15 km from the volcano. The Study Group included conditions linked to increased ash exposure, while the Study Control (+) comprised other causes of morbidity. The independent variable was the level-two eruption, characterized by daily PM10 and PM2.5 exposure in May 2023. The Kriging method was employed to estimate ash dispersion due to the limited number of monitoring stations. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test, frequencies, and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results:Fourteen percent of patients had conditions related to increased ash exposure, mainly noninfectious respiratory issues. The other 86% sought consultation for different situations, forming a positive control profile. Correlations between ash exposure and conditions were not statistically significant. Conclusion:Findings suggest potential biological adaptation among residents near Popocatepetl but no adaptation to its magmatic phenomena. Continued improvement of population care strategies against volcanic risks is necessary. The study provides valuable evidence and methodologies for atmospheric monitoring in areas without formal networks, enhancing care strategies against volcanic risks.
The Strategic Workshop on "Workers' Safety and Health in a Changing Climate," convened by the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), was held in October 2025 at Kolkata. The Strategic Workshop on "Workers' Safety and Health in a Changing Climate" aimed to foster multisectoral dialog and collaboration to address the growing impact of climate change on occupational health, safety, and productivity, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Convened under the leadership of AIIHPH, NCDC, and NPCCHH, the 2-day workshop brought together senior policymakers, researchers, academicians, and industry leaders from diverse sectors. Discussions were structured around five major, interconnected themes: 1) Protecting Workers from Extreme Weather Events (Heat), 2) Occupational and Environmental Air Pollution, 3) Chemical Exposures in a Changing Climate, 4) Technology for Climate-Resilient Workplaces, and 5) Psychosocial Well-being of Workers. Key recommendations from the deliberations were consolidated after discussions into actionable points, emphasizing the need for an integrated, technology-enabled, and equity-focused approach. Actionable steps included integrating health surveillance with climate data (e.g., WBGT/IMD forecasts), developing a National Chemical Exposure Surveillance Network, adopting AI/IoT-based predictive safety tools, and institutionalizing psychosocial care. The workshop reaffirmed a commitment to the vision of "Health for All, Safe Work for All," urging interministerial convergence (Health, Labor, Environment) and supportive partnerships-especially with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)-to ensure a climate-resilient workforce.
Context: Prolonged air pollution exposure, caused by automobile exhaust, produces severe pulmonary inflammation. Aims: The study aimed to assess and compare the respiratory quality of life (RQoL) by the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and pulmonary functions by digital spirometry of the occupationally exposed traffic police personnel and the unexposed general population, in an urban city of Eastern India, and to study the association between RQoL and pulmonary functions in both groups. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the urban city from October 2023 to January 2024. A total of 62 "occupationally exposed" traffic policemen and 120 "unexposed" general population were recruited by simple random sampling. Data on the sociodemographic profile was collected by a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, and on RQoL by SGRQ questionnaire. The pulmonary function was evaluated by using a digital spirometer. Data was compiled and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The occupationally exposed traffic policemen group had significantly higher (P < 0.001) SGRQ scores than the unexposed group. The pulmonary function assessment showed that the traffic policemen group had significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (P < 0.001) compared to the unexposed group. The total SGRQ scores of both groups positively correlated with FEV1/FVC. Conclusion: Due to the nature of employment, the exposed traffic policemen group had significantly poorer RQoL and poorer pulmonary function compared to the unexposed group. There is a dire need to screen, adapt, and strengthen preventive and promotive strategies to manage this issue.
As the world celebrates the centenary of quantum science in 2025, quantum technologies (QTs) are emerging as a transformative force across multiple sectors, including occupational safety and health (OSH). Far from being a source of risk, QTs have the potential to significantly enhance OSH outcomes through ultra-sensitive quantum sensors for environmental and health monitoring, secure quantum communication for protected data transmission, quantum simulations for ergonomic workplace design, and advanced predictive analytics for risk prevention. This paper explores how these innovations can revolutionize workplace safety and health infrastructure, especially in high-risk environments like mining, manufacturing, chemical plants, health monitoring, and military settings. Through strategic policy integration, safety-by-design principles, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the quantum revolution can be harnessed not only to redefine technological capabilities, but also to create safer, smarter, and more resilient occupational ecosystems. By proposing quantum-specific safety classifications, interdisciplinary oversight, and international collaboration, this paper calls for embedding safety-by-design principles into the core of quantum Research and Development (R and D). As quantum technologies become foundational to future industries, worker safety must advance in tandem framing quantum not merely as a technological revolution, but as a unique opportunity to reimagine the relationship between innovation and human well-being.
Context: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a preventable yet understudied issue in nonoccupational settings, particularly among elderly populations near industrial areas, where chronic noise may worsen age-related hearing decline. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of powerloom noise on hearing health in elderly residents near industrial zones compared to those in quieter areas and to explore its interaction with ageing and health factors. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted in a residential areas near powerloom industries and in quieter control areas within the same region. Methods and Material: A study was conducted from May to July 2024 with 436 participants aged above 60 years (218 near powerlooms, 218 in control areas), selected via stratified random sampling. Noise levels were measured using calibrated sound meters at residences, and hearing was assessed with a validated mobile application. Structured interviews collected demographic, health, and lifestyle data. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis includes regression, t-tests, and receiver operating characteristic curve evaluation. Results: Elderly residents near powerlooms had significantly worse hearing than the control group, with severity increasing with exposure duration. Ageing-related decline was steeper, worsened by diabetes and smoking. Noise above safe limits led to higher moderate-to-severe hearing loss. Statistical models confirmed noise as a key factor, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly populations and the need for protective measures. Conclusions: Chronic powerloom noise worsens hearing loss in elderly residents, amplifying age-related decline and health risks.
Background:Rice is a dietary staple for more than half of the global population, particularly in Asia. However, its vulnerability to accumulating environmental heavy metal contaminants during its production and processing raises significant public health concerns. Chronic exposure to arsenic and lead has carcinogenic health effects, posing a risk of lung, bladder, liver, and breast cancer. This study examines arsenic and lead contamination in rice varieties across different locations in India and their ecological associations with prevailing cancer. Methods:Rice samples were collected from 13 districts across six major rice-producing states in India (northern and southern regions). Selective Arsenic and lead concentrations were examined in collected rice samples and analyzed using standard testing methods. The results were compared with Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSAI) and World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. A desk review of existing cancer reports was performed for ecological comparison. Results:Arsenic and lead concentrations significantly varied in rice samples across regions. In state-wise analysis, Maharashtra recorded the highest arsenic levels (mean: 3.14 ppm), while Madhya Pradesh had the highest lead concentrations (mean: 3.63 ppm). These values exceeded safety limits, and the sampled states had a high burden of lung, breast, stomach, and gastrointestinal cancers potentially linked to chronic exposures to heavy metals. Conclusion:There are regional variations in arsenic and lead contamination, often exceeding safety limits. Contaminant exposure to farmers and chronic ingestion can lead to deleterious health effects. Study highlights the need for strict regulatory oversight, safe agricultural practices, and further research into its hazards and prevention.
