Effects of industrial pollution on respiratory morbidity among female residents of India.

The authors evaluated the respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function test results (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], and ratio of FEV1 to FVC [FEV1%]) of female residents of the critically polluted industrial estate of Vapi, Gujarat (state), India, and compared these with control information derived from a village 20 km away. The authors categorized the studied residents as living in Vapi, in town, or in villages proximal to the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation; living 2 to 3 km away from Vapi; living 3 to 5 km away from Vapi; and being in the control group. The authors found no significant association between respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among Vapi residents.

Semen quality of industrial workers occupationally exposed to chromium.

A total of sixty-one subjects occupationally exposed to chromium in an industry which manufactures chromium sulphate and fifteen control subjects from a nearby industry which does not manufacture any chromium related compounds were studied. The history of each subject was recorded on pre-designed form through interview and a routine medical examination was carried out. Blood samples (5-6 ml) were collected for the estimation of chromium and semen samples were collected for semen analysis and the determination of copper and zinc levels in the seminal plasma.