Morbidity Profile of Workers in a Sponge Iron Industry in Goa: A Retrospective Record-based Study

Introduction The Sponge iron industries are categorized as red industries (i.e. highly polluted industries) with the major pollutants including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, the toxic effects of which are often rapid. Prolonged exposure to such pollutants leads to obstructive lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive respiratory disease. The current study aims to assess the morbidities prevalent among the workers in the Sponge iron industry in Goa and help them minimize those with suitable measures. Objective To study the morbidity profile of workers in a Sponge iron industry in Goa. Materials and Methods A retrospective record-based study was conducted on 217 workers. Selected health parameters were studied: socio-demographic details, anthropometry, blood pressure, serum Creatinine, Total cholesterol, vision tests, ECG, Spirometry, urine microscopy, and audiometry readings. Results Among the 217 workers that were studied, 8% had Hypertension, 40% workers had a refractive error, 31% had Dyslipidemia, 14.7% had mild restriction, 0.9% had moderate restriction, and 1.3% had a severe restriction in Spirometry testing, 10.1% had elevated Creatinine, 2.7% had mild to moderate hearing loss, 0.9% had changes in ECG and was referred to do echo. Conclusion The study revealed that the conditions of employment had caused numerous comorbidities among the sponge iron industry workers, several of which had spirometry restrictions suggesting pulmonary changes, which may lead to eventual respiratory deterioration and the advent of diseases such as COPD. The study revealed issues about overall health parameters, including but not limited to other intricate issues. Consequently, further tests will have to be conducted along with the use of protective equipment to reduce and limit the effects of such occupational outcomes.