Health impact and noise exposure assessment in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir, India.

Aim: 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.