Health Status of Sewage Workers in Delhi

Abstract

Sewage contains numerous toxic substances which include poisonous gases and infective agents. As a consequence of this, sewer workers often suffer from a constellation of symptoms known as the sewer worker’s syndrome. Very limited data on the occupational health and safety status of sewage workers is available in India. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Delhi involving 200 sewage workers and their health profile was studied using standard procedures. It was found that majority of workers have had cuts or injuries, experienced irritation of eyes and suffered from skin rashes. One-fifth of workers reported syncope, and some temporary loss of consciousness. The other major chronic symptoms included headache (48.5%), skin rashes (45.5%), skin irritation (41.5%) and body ache (41.5%). 8.5% had raised white blood cell count, 11.7% showed raised ESR than normal and 30.2% had mild restrictive respiratory changes while 20.7% showed changes ranging from moderate to severe restriction or obstruction. The study concluded that sewage workers are suffering from high morbidity and need urgent attention for the health and safety programs and training focusing more on preventive measures and change in their life style.