Abstract:
Stone crushing is one of the common but most dangerous industries to work in relative to other industries globally. The workers are exposed to a variety of health hazards. The current study was conducted in Bohti Pind and Kacha located in Hassan Abdal and Wah cantt, Punjab, Pakistan respectively to determine the types and prevalence of cardio-respiratory problems, respiratory problems, and allergic responses linked with dust amongt workers of stone crushing units. It was also intended to investigate the awareness of stone crushing workers about dust effect on health and practice of PPEs. Randomly 150 sample size was selected from both units. Study was divided into two groups, exposed and control group (110 exposed workers, 40 controls). Both the groups were further sub-grouped as smokers and non-smokers groups (45% smokers, 55% non-smokers from each group). The prevalence of cardio-vascular symptoms in exposed group were much higher than control group. About 47.2% exposed workers had high BP, 63.3% had poor BPM (Above 82) and 49% workers had hemoglobin saturation below normal level (dyspnea). Similarly smokers of the exposed group suffered from more severe cardio-vascular problems than non-smokers. About 64% smokers had high BP, 90% had poor BPM and 64% workers had low hemoglobin saturation. Respiratory disorders were also found higher in exposed group and within smokers of the similar group. About 57.2%, 53.6%, 46.3%, 75.4%, 71.8% and 40% exposed workers reported to have Cough, Phlegm, Wheezing, Breathlessness, Chest Tightness and Chest pain respectively. Similarly 68%, 58%, 50%, 80%, 76.8% and 50% smokers reported Cough, phlegm, Wheezing, Breathlessness, Chest Tightness and Chest pain respectively. Results were compared between exposed and control groups and within smokers of exposed group and non-smokers of exposed group. The study showed significant difference between control and exposed group. Moreover it was also found that smokers are more adversely effected from dust exposure than non-smokers. Majority workers in the exposed group also reported to have eye irritation, runny nose, sneezing and nasal irritation. Only 10% workers had habit of wearing PPE. About 61% workers were aware of the impact on their health.
