Effect of occupational exposure on cardiovascular and hematological parameters of individuals working in rice mills around Raichur urban area

Abstract

Title: Effect of Occupational Exposure on Cardiovascular and Hematological Parameters of Individuals working in Rice Mills Around Raichur Urban Area Aim: To study the effect of occupational exposure on cardiovascular and hematological parameters of individuals working in rice mills Materials & Methods: It was cross sectional study. 134 individuals were selected in each group.Hematological,PFTs,ECG, Blood Pressure and Oxidative stress markers were recorded by standard procedures. Statistical analysis was done by using one way ANOVA, unpaired student’s ‘t’ test and regression analysis. Results: values were presented as Mean±SD at P<0.05 and 95% CI. There were no significant differences observed between exposed and control group. Higher normal level of NO & MDA was recorded and Lower normal level of Vitamin C was recorded and also lower normal level of FVC and FEV1/FVC is seen among individuals exposed to dust for longer term than compared to short term exposed individuals. Similar values were seen among elderly age group individuals. Conclusion: Though individuals are working in rice mills in dusty area, their blood counts, electrocardiographic recordings, blood pressure are not varied very significantly. Variations are within normal limits. Lung parameters, stressors and antistressors are also found in normal range. But, when individuals are grouped according to age and exposure duration, elderly age group and long term exposure groups have shown mild decrease in PFTs. These groups have also shown increased stressor level to upper normal values and decreased antistressor to lower normal values. As the age advances adverse effect of dust on serum NO level is enhanced. This is an alarming message for individuals working in rice mills that continued and longstanding exposure may lead to increased oxidative stress and oxidative damage.