RESUMO
Background Paint industry workers are constantly exposed to paints and organic solvents that contain a substantial quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to VOC emissions could result in pulmonary, neurobehavioral, and hematological consequences. Limited studies have been undertaken in India to assess the health consequences of VOCs among paint industry workers in unorganized sectors. Aim To assess the effects of VOCs on pulmonary function in paint industry workers of unorganized sectors. Methodology A hundred and twenty full-time male construction painters and small-scale paint manufacturing workers aged 25-60 were assessed for respiratory symptoms using a questionnaire, and pulmonary functions using Wright's Peak Expiratory Flow Meter (PEFR). Participants were randomly selected for VOC assessment and the cumulative solvent exposure index was calculated. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed on a subset of construction painters (n=30) using a Koko spirometer. Results The concentration of VOCs such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene (BETX) and dichloromethane levels exceeded American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) among the paint manufacturing workers. About 52% of paint workers reported respiratory symptoms. Around 22% of the participants showed reduced pulmonary function (PEFR<400 L/min). There was a significant weak negative correlation between PEFR and work experience (r = -0.2, p=0.03). PFT parameters among a subset of construction painters revealed a significant moderate negative correlation with work experience [forced expiratory volume at the onset of the first second (FEV1) (r = -0.6, p=0.001) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.53, p=0.005)] and cumulative VOC exposure index [FEV1 (r = -0.53, p = 0.004) and FVC (r = -0.5, p = 0.008)]. Conclusion The concentration of VOCs was higher among paint industry workers of unorganized sectors and they reported respiratory symptoms and diminished pulmonary function. To reduce morbidity, it is critical to enhance awareness about occupational safety and services in these unorganized sectors.
RESUMO
Background ABO blood group types are hereditary factors that have been shown to affect the blood levels of many antigens and proteins. Some blood groups have surprisingly been shown to be associated with some specific diseases, probably due to yet unexplained altering effects on the immune system or on the levels of other system-specific proteins. Studies conducted previously attempting to relate bronchial asthma and blood groups have had variable results and such studies on a large scale have not been ventured in India. Hence, the significance of the current study, which aims to search for an increased occurrence of bronchial asthma in any one of the ABO blood group phenotypes and additionally in Rh blood groups. Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the possible association of the ABO and Rh blood group types with bronchial asthma. Methods This is an observational study with 475 bronchial asthma patients, and 2052 non-asthmatic individuals belonging to the same geographical zone. After obtaining informed consent, ABO and Rh Blood group testing was done on the study subjects using the hemagglutination method. Chi-squared tests were employed for the comparison of proportions. Statistical significance was agreed upon for an error of 5%. Results The O blood group was predominant in both cases (46.9 %) and controls (36.1%). A chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant higher percentage of O blood group in patients (χ2: 24.537; degrees of freedom (DF): 3; p-value = <0.01). The cases had more Rh -ve individuals (12%) than controls (8%), which too was statistically significant (χ2: 6.711; degrees of freedom (DF): 1; p-value = 0.01). Conclusion The present study shows a positive association between the O blood group and the Rh-negative blood group with bronchial asthma.
