Industrial hygiene and toxicity studies in unorganized bone-based industrial units

Abstract

A large variety of ornamental and decorative items are manufactured from bone waste by various unorganized sectors in India. An initial survey indicated that workers were exposed at various phases of final product. The subjects (12 industrial units) were tested for total suspended particulate matter (TSPM), particulate matter <10 microm (PM(10)), and particulate matter <2.5 microm (PM(2.5)). Prevalent levels of TSPM ranged between 2.90 and 5.89 mg m(-3). Respirable fractions of occupational dust as PM(10) and PM(2.5) were found in the range of 0.30-2.08 and 0.26-0.50 mg m(-3), respectively. Cytotoxicity study was conducted using hemolysis as a sensitive marker. In an in vitro study, rat RBCs were exposed to the concentration of 25-1,000 microg/ml for 15-120 min. A considerable variation was observed in the hemolytic activity of samples collected from different areas. At 500 microg/ml concentration, the hemolytic activity (12 h) was found to be in the range of 18-25%. Due to limitation in sample mass of respirable fractions, only one concentration (100 microg/ml/2 h) was used for comparative study on hemolysis of RBCs caused by PM(10) and PM(2.5). Interestingly, the hemolytic activity was more at PM(2.5) than PM(10) and TSPM. These results suggest that the respirable particles are capable of reaching deep into the respiratory system. The finding is significant notably when there are no standards available in occupationally exposed populations. This is the first such study. Data could be of importance to policy makers and regulators.

Monitoring of cotton dust and health risk assessment in small-scale weaving industry

“…Recent epidemiological studies have found associations between increases in air particulates and increased morbidity and mortality, especially among sensitive subpopulations such as children, elderly, and those with preexisting respiratory and cardiac diseases (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1996). The workers are not covered by the Factory Act; therefore, they remain vulnerable to a variety of occupational hazards (Siddiqui et al 2011). Negligence of international safety and health standards for workers in the textile industry is causing the proliferation of various particulate matters which are ultimately deteriorating the health of workers.…”

Assessment of Air Quality During Mastoidectomy

“…14 Local exhaust ventilation and exhaust hoods function by removing dust and small particles near the source, thereby decreasing the quantity of dust exposure to health care workers. 13 This research is not without limitations. One of the limitations of this study is the difference between cadaveric and living temporal bones.…”

“…While bone dust is largely composed of hydroxyapatite, it does contain trace amounts of other elements including copper, silica, iron, rubidium, and platinum. 13 The heterogeneous nature of bone dust may contribute to reports of hypersensitivity-type reactions such as asthma and anaphylaxis in individuals with frequent exposure to aerosolized bone dust from animals. 4,5 Although such cases have not been reported in health care professionals, the potential for hypersensitivity reactions is present due to the frequency to which otologic surgery is performed.…”

“…Siddiqui et al 13 reported that excessive exposure to dust may impair mucociliary clearance and potentially lead to malignancies of the lung. While bone dust is largely composed of hydroxyapatite, it does contain trace amounts of other elements including copper, silica, iron, rubidium, and platinum 13 . The heterogeneous nature of bone dust may contribute to reports of hypersensitivity‐type reactions such as asthma and anaphylaxis in individuals with frequent exposure to aerosolized bone dust from animals 4,5 .…”

“…However, repeated exposure to bone dust may cause mild problems such as skin reactions and upper respiratory tract infections 3 . Siddiqui et al 13 reported that excessive exposure to dust may impair mucociliary clearance and potentially lead to malignancies of the lung. While bone dust is largely composed of hydroxyapatite, it does contain trace amounts of other elements including copper, silica, iron, rubidium, and platinum 13 .…”