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To determine the impact of flour dust on the lung function of the workers spirometric analysis was conducted. Significant declines in forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) were observed in the flour mill workers as compared to expected values. This study reveals reduced lung efficiency of flour mill workers due to excessive exposure to fine organic dust prevalent in the workplace environment. The impairment in lung efficiency was increased with duration of exposure in the flour mill workers. The analysis of questionnaires used to generate information on self-reported problems reveals that most of the workers were suffering from asthma and respiratory problems. Furthermore, the data shows that 42% of the flour mill workers were having shortness of breath problems, 34% of workers were having frequent coughing, and 19% workers were having respiratory tract irritation. We recommend the compulsory use of personal protective equipment (nose mask) by flour mill workers during working hours. This would help to protect the workers health from the flour dust prevalent in the workplace environment. A regular periodic examination is necessary to measure the impact of particulate matter on the health of the flour mill workers. (J Occup Health 2006; 48: 396-401)

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In the present research article we explore the synthesis method and adsorption capability of ZnFe oxides nanocomposites by using Pb as dopant. A conventional and simple batch adsorption method is selected and optimized. Pb@ZnFe2O4 NCs were fabricated by facile method i.e. co-precipitation method and characterized by FESEM, XRD, IR, EDX. The removal of dye has monitored by UV method.An outstanding result is obtained as adsorption efficiency of 1042 mg g−1 shows more significant performance than currently available bench-mark adsorbents. The optimized parameters pH 7.1, Adsorbent Mass: 50 mg, Initial Dye Concentration: 150 mg/l and Agitation Time: 90 min results in 96.49 % removal of CR (Congo red) dye. A CCD (central composite design) is applied to evaluate the role of adsorption variables. Based on its excellent performance, cost effectiveness, facile fabrication and large surface area, the Pb@ZnFe2O4 has considerable potential for the manufacture of cost effective and efficient adsorbents for environmental applications.

The anion recognition ability of a novel noncyclic dipodalamine phenol receptor L was evaluated using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of L have shown a red shift upon the addition of HSO 4À over other surveyed anions in water. The association constant (K a ) of L with HSO 4 À was calculated using Benesi-Hildebrand plot and Scatchard plot methodology, and it was found to be 3.1 AE 0.2 Â 10 3 M À1 .