Epidemiological studies on bicycle manufacturing industrial workers.

Studies involving health status of bicycle manufacturing industrial workers exposed to chemicals and unexposed workers of the same industry who formed control were conducted at Sonepatin Haryana State, India. Negligence of industrial hygiene and personal protection affected the health of exposed workers adversely Epidemiological spectrum of exposed subjects showed much variation from control. Some unique disorders, such as nail impairments, nasal septum perforation and metal fume fever were observed in exposed workers against their absence in unexposed workers. Data showed occurrence of following diseases in the order of asthma>skin disorders>allergic disorders>bronchitis>all other respiratory diseases>nail disorders and acute pharyngitis>pulmonary tuberculosis and loss of smell and hearing>nasal septum perforation showing high risk factor for 'all other respiratory diseases' and skin disorders. Importance of occupational health surveillance has been highlighted.

Bioaccumulation of Zn, Cu and Cd in Channa punctatus.

Adult Channa punctatus were acutely exposed to LC50 of zinc (18.62 mg/l), cadmium (11.8 mg/l) and copper (0.56 mg/l) separately for 96 hr The concentration of metals was found maximum in liver and minimum in muscles. The degree of accumulation among the five tissues differed and it was in the order: gill>liver>kidney>blood>muscle in case of Zn, gills>kidney>blood> liver>muscle in case of Cd and gills>kidney>blood>liver>muscle in case of Cu exposure.