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Cardio-respiratory studies on glass bangle workers
S K Rastogi1, B N Gupta, T Husain
1Epidemiology Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Center, Lucknow, India.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Glass bangle workers experience significant physiological stress due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and thermal radiation. Their cardio-respiratory functions show incomplete recovery, indicating cardiac and ventilatory stress.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Physiology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Glass bangle manufacturing involves workers exposed to extreme heat and thermal radiation.
- Previous studies have highlighted the health risks associated with high-temperature industrial environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cardio-respiratory functional responses and recovery patterns of glass bangle workers.
- To investigate the physiological impact of prolonged heat exposure in the glass bangle industry.
Main Methods:
- Recording cardio-respiratory functions in 18 glass bangle workers during and after a 2-hour work spell near a furnace.
- Monitoring ambient temperature, thermal radiation, oral temperature, heart rate, respiratory frequency, and tidal volume.
Main Results:
- Workers experienced incomplete physiological recovery, with elevated oral temperature and heart rate even 5 minutes post-work.
- Significant cardiac stress was indicated by the prolonged elevated heart rate.
- Hyperventilation syndrome, characterized by increased respiratory rate and tidal volume, was prevalent, suggesting ventilatory stress.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged work in high heat and radiation environments imposes significant cardiac and ventilatory stress on glass bangle workers.
- The observed physiological responses suggest a high cardiac cost and circulatory strain.
- Interventions are needed to mitigate heat stress and improve recovery for workers in this industry.