8292049 Silica dust exposure pattern, job categorization and severity of silicosis and silico-tuberculosis amongst selected population in birbhum district, West Bengal, India

<h3>Objective</h3> This study aimed to assess and compare occupational health vulnerability among two distinct groups of workers exposed to silica dust in Birbhum district, West Bengal. It evaluated key domains—hazard exposure, risk perception, coping capacity, adaptive capacity, and overall vulnerability—to identify gaps in occupational health and guide targeted interventions. Notably, this is the first documented silicosis vulnerability assessment in this region. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A cross-sectional design was adopted using a structured vulnerability assessment tool. Field data were collected via household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews across two health districts—Suri and Rampurhat. Each vulnerability domain was quantified and visualized using radar charts to reveal risk disparities. Workers were classified based on job roles, including stone crushers, drivers, residents near crusher zones, and others. <h3>Results</h3> Screening across six blocks revealed a total of 3,315 individuals screened at the community level, with 941 referred to final diagnostic camps. Among them, 185 cases were confirmed with silicosis by the State Diagnosis Board. Md. Bazar in Suri district and Rampurhat I in Rampurhat district accounted for the highest burden. Alarmingly, 86% of confirmed cases were stone crusher workers, 63% had a history of active or past tuberculosis, and none received any personal protective equipment such as face masks. Silico-tuberculosis patients showed higher mortality. The vulnerability radar charts highlighted that Group A workers (active in crusher units) had significantly higher hazard exposure and lower coping capacity than Group B (residents). <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study reveals a high burden of silicosis and silico-tuberculosis among informal sector workers in Birbhum, driven by poor occupational safeguards and inadequate risk awareness. Urgent multi-sectoral interventions are needed, including protective regulations, health surveillance, and community-based capacity building, to mitigate long-term health impacts.