Bronchitis, tuberculosis, weight loss and hearing loss are oft-heard health problems among workers of fine-dust producing industries in the Tirupur-Coimbatore region in Tamil Nadu. With a plethora of cotton spinning mills, garment units and power looms, these fine dust producing industries are the primary employers of rural men and women in the region.
Bronchitis, tuberculosis, weight loss and hearing loss are oft-heard health problems among workers of fine-dust producing industries in the Tirupur-Coimbatore region in Tamil Nadu. With a plethora of cotton spinning mills, garment units and power looms, these fine dust producing industries are the primary employers of rural men and women in the region.
Power loom worker Swamy sometimes requires hospital care due to excessive cough build up. He is unable to take a break to look after his health, although he has been serving the same employer for over 25 years. He also suffers from partial hearing loss, weight loss, and chronic bronchitis. “When I would cough, I would see minute cotton particles in the discharge. With blood in the discharge, I got worried and consulted the doctor. When we go to the government primary health centre (PHC) in the village, they have very specific medicines for power loom workers. So if I have a cough or breathing trouble, they will suggest the same set of medicines every time I go to the PHC,” Swamy said, adding that he also suffered weight loss of over 10 kgs in the last few months.
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