Silicosis

Agate Industry

Agate grinding and polishing is a traditional vocation in the Khambhat Taluka of Gujarat and Jaipur (Rajasthan). Following sporadic reports of silicosis and deaths among the agate grinders, NIOH carried out detailed clinico-radiological  survey of agate workers which showed that the problem of silicosis  was most severe  among the agate grinders. 

The prevalence of  silicosis in male and female agate grinders was  39.8% and 34.2%  respectively. About 19% of the male agate grinders and 22% of female agate grinders developed silicosis within five years. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis amongst male and female agate grinders was 37.4% and 40.3% respectively. Pulmonary function abnormalities were found in about 51% grinders. 

The mean "total" and  "respirable" dust concentrations during agate grinding were 25.4 (14.5 ‑ 35.1)  and 2.74 (1.73 ‑  4.04) mg/M3 respectively, which are much higher than the prescribed limits. The free silica contents of the dust  was 60%.

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