Health Problems among Spice Grinders

Abstract

Sixty-one male spice grinders from 14 factories were studied to determine if they had any skin problems, respiratory symptoms or hearing loss associated with their work. All subjects were interviewed and examined. Audiometric examinations were arranged for those with significant noise exposure. Assessments of dust and noise levels were conducted. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract irritation, such as sneezing and runny nose, during work were experienced by 49.2 per cent of workers. These symptoms were maximal in the first few weeks of employment in spice grinding and did not recur in half of the affected workers. Over 26 per cent of the workers experienced a warm or burning sensation of the skin when grinding chili or pepper. None of the spice grinders had symptoms or evidence on physical examination of allergic skin disease or asthma. Noise-induced hearing loss was detected in 21 per cent of the workers examined but none had severe disabling deafness. Dust levels ranged from 0.03 to 0.82 mg/m3, with a mean value of 0.15 mg/m3. Noise exposure was significant, with levels of between 87 and 98 dBA. Control measures to reduce the noise and dust exposure are discussed.

Permanent Hearing Loss among Professional Spice Grinders in an Urban Community in Southwest Nigeria

“…Notwithstanding, noise levels above 90 dbA are considered high or excessive by international standards. 7 One study among mill workers from Nigeria reported noise levels ranging from 88 to 105 dBA and NIHL prevalence of 71% consistent with the findings in the current study. 18 In contrast, another study among spice grinders in factories in Singapore reported lower noise levels of between 87 dBA and 98 dBA as well as NIHL prevalence of 21% which appear to demonstrate the NIHL impact of traditional market settings in the Nigerian studies.…”

“…Besides the respiratory problems commonly associated with the irritant dusts from spice grinding, studies from South Asia have shown that this occupation is a major cause of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in developing countries. [6][7][8][9] However, limited data is currently available from sub-Saharan Africa on the risks of NIHL among professional spice grinders, which may forestall requisite intervention programs to curtail the burden of NIHL as recommended by the World Health Assembly. 10 This study therefore set out to determine the prevalence and pattern of hearing loss among pepper grinders in a traditional market setting in a developing country.…”

Long Term Effects of Tear Gases on Respiratory System: Analysis of 93 Cases

“…The exposed workers also had more common complaints of chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and stuffy or runny nose [12]. Another study showed increased respiratory symptoms (upper respiratory tract irritation, sneezing, and runny nose) in 49% of male spice grinders related to workplace exposure [13]. Morning cough (32%) and daily cough during winter (39%) were high; furthermore morning phlegm (28.0%), daily phlegm in winter (42.0%), and phlegm more than 3 months (26%) were accompanying to cough among tear gas exposed subjects in the present study.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of dust exposures in a spice shop.

“…In a study of 61 male spice grinders working in 14 factories in Singapore, 49% reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract irritation (sneezing and runny nose) [Chan et al 1990]. The study reported that the symptoms were greatest in the first few weeks of employment and did not recur in half of the affected workers.…”