Occupational health assessment of chromite toxicity among Indian miners

Abstract

Elevated concentration of hexavalent chromium pollution and contamination has contributed a major health hazard affecting more than 2 lakh mine workers and inhabitants residing in the Sukinda chromite mine of Odisha, India. Despite people suffering from several forms of ill health, physical and mental deformities, constant exposure to toxic wastes and chronic diseases as a result of chromite mining, there is a tragic gap in the availability of 'scientific’ studies and data on the health hazards of mining in India. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Odisha State Pollution Control Board and the Odisha Voluntary Health Association data were used to compile the possible occupational health hazards, hexavalent chromium exposure and diseases among Sukinda chromite mines workers. Studies were reviewed to determine the routes of exposure and possible mechanism of chromium induced carcinogenicity among the workers. Our studies suggest all forms of hexavalent chromium are regarded as carcinogenic to workers however the most important routes of occupational exposure to Cr (VI) are inhalation and dermal contact. This review article outlines the physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial occupational health hazards of chromite mining and associated metallurgical processes to monitor the mining environment as well as the miners exposed to these toxicants to foster a safe work environment. The authors anticipate that the outcome of this manuscript will have an impact on Indian chromite mining industry that will subsequently bring about improvements in work conditions, develop intervention experiments in occupational health and safety programs.

Hexavalent chromium-induced erythrocyte membrane phospholipid asymmetry

“…Chromium may further be released from metal on stainless steel implants or orthodontic appliances (Fernandez-Minano et al 2011;Hedberg et al 2011;Meyskens and Yang 2011;Pereira et al 1999). Chromium pollution is a major health hazard in distinct mining areas (Das and Singh 2011). Chromium (VI) may be absorbed in the intestine and triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation, malignant transformation, growth arrest, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis (Chiu et al 2010;Holmes et al 2008;McCarroll et al 2010;Nickens et al 2010;Stout et al 2009; Thompson et al 2011;Wise et al 2008;Yao et al 2008).…”

Review article. Adverse hematological effects of hexavalent chromium: an overview

“…Figure 1. Schematic representation of cellular uptake of hexavalent chromium in red blood cells (Reprinted from Das & Singh, 2011 ).…”

Assessment of Use, Reuse, and End‐of‐Life Disposal and X‐Ray Fluorescence Analysis Screening of Waste Mobile Phones in Nigeria

“…In other forms, such as sodium dichromate, chromium is said to be carcinogenic (Bagchi, Bagchi, & Stohs, ). Respiratory problems, reduced resistance to disease, birth defects, infertility, and tumor formation are likely health effects of chromium in animals (Das & Mishra, ; Das & Singh, ).…”