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A cross-sectional study of over 400 kitchen workers in Lucknow and Coimbatore showed that almost 50% of them suffered from poor lung functions and microalbuminuria.

They also noticed that Coimbatore workers had a higher risk of obstructive lung problems.

Details

• The study conducted by researchers from Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR- IITR) also examined the particulate matter pollution (PM2.5 and PM1) in the kitchen environment and found high concentrations of particulate matter of both sizes, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
• The study was carried out among male workers in Lucknow and Coimbatore and a control group.
• Though air pollution primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect other microvascular functions via systemic circulation.
• So the workers were first tested for microalbuminuria. This is a condition in which there is an excess amount of albumin in urine, and this can be used as a marker for kidney diseases. More workers from Lucknow (56%) had higher microalbuminuria than their counterparts in Coimbatore (42%). Fine particulate matter can reach the alveolar epithelium of the lungs, enter the circulatory system and increase the risk of kidney dysfunction.
• It was found that lung abnormalities were higher in south Indian workers. Apart from exposure to indoor air pollutants, ethnic differences may be the reason. Previous studies have shown south Indians have lower lung funct
• The researchers found significantly increased systolic blood pressure in the kitchen workers with microalbuminuria in both states. But no association was observed between systolic blood pressure and microalbuminuria.
• A cocktail of different elements like carbon, magnesium, calcium, aluminium, iron in its particulate form were found in the air.
• This study throws light on poor lung function and its inverse relationship with microalbuminuria.

Source

The Hindu