Assessment of exposure to dust, gaseous pollutants and endotoxins in sewage treatment plants of Ahmedabad city, India.

Background: Sewage treatment plant workers (STPs) are exposed to gaseous pollutants (H2S) and bioaerosols and their health is at risk.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate exposures to dust, 1,3 Beta D Glucans, endotoxins and gaseous pollutants in different process plants and to provide suitable recommendations.

Methods: Gaseous pollutants and bioaerosols (inhalable dust, 1,3 beta D-glucans and endotoxins) were evaluated in two sewage treatment plants (STPs) of Ahmedabad city, India.

Exposure to Toluene Di-isocyanate and Respiratory Effects in Flexible Polyurethane Foam Industries in Western India.

Background: Flexible foam industry largely uses 2,4 and 2,6 Toluene di-isocyanate as main raw materials and chronic exposure to its result in occupational asthma. The exposure to di-isocyanates might be higher due to the usage of obsolete technology, hand-mixing methods and working in confined spaces with insufficient local exhaust ventilation systems in developing countries. Exposure studies in flexible foam industries have not been done in developing countries.

A study of respiratory function among the workers engaged in ginning processes.

Background: Known respiratory health effects of exposure to cotton dust are mainly altered pulmonary function findings and symptom of chest tightness. A number of studies have been carried out all over the world to enumerate and evaluate the health effects of cotton dust exposed workers in different processes. However, such studies carried out in ginning industry especially in Indian context are scanty.

Cotinine, thioether, and glucuronide excretion among active and passive bidi smokers in India.

The authors examined biomarkers for environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) from bidis (Indian cigarettes) among male smokers, their nonsmoking female family members (passive smokers), and an unexposed control group (N = 66). The 3 parameters used to determine the magnitude of exposure were cotinine (a tobacco-specific alkaloid indicating nicotine exposure) and thioethers and glucuronides (indicators of electrophilic burden). Urinary excretion of cotinine was significantly higher among active smokers (4.