Abstract

A STUDY OF THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH STATUS OF SEWAGE WORKERS AT PANJAPUR IN TRICHY DISTRICT

P. Arulmozhi*, Dr. L. Leena Hebsi Bai, Dr. A. Pandia Rajan and Dr. M. S. Dheenadayalan

Abstract

The term may be used to mean raw sewage, sewage sludge, or septic tank waste. Raw sewage is mainly water containing excrement, industrial effluent and debris, such as sanitary towels, condoms, plastic etc. Excrement is the major source of harmful micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Sewage treatment reduces the water content and removes debris, but does not kill or remove all the micro-organisms. Raw sewage contains various pathogenic organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungus, worms and protozoa. Workers at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are exposed to these organisms as well as to H2S gas causing many health hazards. The frequently recorded health disorders between sewage workers includes: respiratory and skin problems as well as noise-related hearing impairment. An assessment has been done for the occupational hazard at sewage through haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte count. A decrement in Total Leukocyte count (TLC), Different Leukocyte count (DLC) and Haemoglobin concentration (Hb conc.) has been found in foundry workers which is alarming to take rehabilitates steps.

Keywords: Waste Water treatment plants (WWTPs), Sewage Workers, Occupational Health Hazards, Haemoglobin concentration (Hb conc.).