Abstract

HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF WORKERS EXPOSURE TO FLUORIDE EMISSION FROM ALUMINIUM SMELTER PLANT AT NALCO, ANGUL, ODISHA

H. Pradhan* and B. C. Pradhan

Abstract

Fluoride is used increasingly in a variety of industries in India. Emission of fluoride dust and fumes from the smelters of aluminium producing industries is dissipated in the work environment and poses occupational health hazards. To study the prevalence of health complaints and its association with fluoride level in body fluids of smelter workers in a aluminium producing industry and to conduct quantitative health risk assessment for workers who exposed to metals from an aluminium production industry. In an aluminium industry, health status of 465 smelter workers, 70 supervisors working in the smelter unit, 62 nonsmelter workers (control group 1) and 30 administration staff (control group 2) were assessed between 2018 and 2019. Their health complaints were recorded and categorized into 4 groups: 1) gastro-intestinal complaints; 2) non-skeletal manifestations; 3) skeletal symptoms; and (4) respiratory problems. Fluoride level in body fluids, nails, and drinking water was tested by an ion selective electrode; haemoglobin level was tested using HaemoCue. The total complaints reported by study groups were significantly higher than the control groups. Smelter workers had a significantly (p

Keywords: Fluorides; Fluorosis, dental; Industry; Occupational diseases; Early diagnosis; Prevention and control.