Effect of Volatile Organic Compounds on Pulmonary Functions Among Paint Industry Workers of Unorganized Sectors.

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.

Brain abscess as a complication of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension - a rare case report.

A brain abscess is a life threatening condition which can occur as a complication of various clinical conditions. An intra-cerebral abscess which occurs as a complication of pulmonary arterial hypertension is extremely rare. The present report has described such an uncommon case of an intra-cerebral abscess in a chronic pulmonary thrombo embolism patient with pulmonary hypertension. A-34-year old male who was a known case of chronic pulmonary thrombo embolism with pulmonary artery hypertension, who was diagnosed 6 months back, presented to the Out Patients Department (OPD) with headache and vomiting. He had right homonymous hemianopia. Contrast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of brain showed a peripherally enhancing lesion in the left temporo-occipital lobe, with oedema and a mass effect. Left parieto-occipital craniotomy and excision of the abscess was done. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the aspirated pus.