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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Background: Safai karmchari plays an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the cities. This job exposes safai karmchari to a variety of risk factors such as dust, volatile organic matter and mechanical stress, which makes them susceptible to certain occupational diseases. The aim of this study was to find out the awareness about occupational health hazard and safety measures practiced by safai karmchari. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study had been carried out during the month of December 2017 to mid of February 2018 in the New Delhi Municipal Council area. Primary data was collected through structured observation checklist and interview with 164 safai karmchari. The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007.Results: Results shows majority of respondent had knowledge about probability of skin allergy/injury/infection while collecting garbage by hand. Most of them had knowledge about probability of traffic accident while working on street. Most of respondents had knowledge about probability of fall while sweeping slippery surface and probability of respiratory problems/eye allergy, also probability of musculoskeletal problems due to their work. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) apron with reflector, shoes, cap, mask were used by most of the safai karmchari, but few of them uses gloves while working.Conclusion: It was concluded that the knowledge about occupational hazards as well as its preventive measures was more among trained safai karmchari than in untrained safai karmchari. However, a smaller number of respondents was using PPE while working. There is a need to develop SOP for different activities and preventive measure for safai karmchari. A training program should be introduced.

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