Prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners of Cherat, district Nowshera - Pakistan

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 coalminers of Cherat, District Nowshera, KPK, Pakistan, from July 2012 to June2013. Coal miners who worked for more than six months were included. Medical camps were arranged in study areas in which Pulmonary Function Tests and CXR was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis. The demographic variables were also noted on a semi structured proforma. The medical examinations of coal miner's revealed that approximately71% [n=284] of coal miners have sign and symptoms of occupational respiratory health problems. The coal miners showed an increased prevalence of coal workers pneumoconiosis [49.50%] i.e. about 47% [n=188] on Chest X-rays [P/A View] and 52.50% [n=210] on Pulmonary Function Tests has findings of coal workers pneumoconiosis. Only 31.75% [n=127] of coal miners have normal pulmonary function tests and 35% [n=140] have normal chest x-ray findings during medical assessment. The prevalence of the pneumoconiosis was high [49.50%] among the Cherat coal miners; and needs proper consideration and attention from the health sector and mining department in order to reduce the high burden of pneumoconiosis among coal miners

Blood lead levels and Occupational Hazards in child labour in Peshawar

To determine blood lead level, calcium and haemoglobin in children involved in auto labour at Peshawar. A total of 150 children; 30 control and 120 working in auto-mobile workshops for 8-10 hours daily without any safety measures, were investigated. We observed that low-income families generally encouraged their children to learn some professional skills at early age. Besides, the nature of work in automobile workshops was hazardous and the long working hours were stressful for the children. Eighty Seven percent of the children were not willing to do the job and 100% were un-aware of the safety measure. As compared to controls, the subject group have had high blood lead levels with a mean +/- 42.4 g/dl [p<0.001]; low haemoglobin +/- 11.2 g/dl [p<0.01] and decreased calcium +/- 8.6 mg/dl [P<0.01] concentration. Furthermore, the younger age group had comparatively raised lead level than old age group. Sixty eight percent children of the study group have had abnormalities like headaches, raised hearing threshold, memory loss and generalized body pain. It is concluded that the high level of blood lead affects the health of children; and poor children specially are at more risk because of inadequate nutrition. Besides, the present study suggests the need of awareness, implementation of laws for child's rights, effective family planning facilities and finally various organizations should play an effective role in child labour prevention programmes