Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine最新文献

{"title":"An Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Rice Varieties Produced Across India States with a Lens of Rising Cancer Burden.","authors":"Akanksha Bhatnagar, Kanika Arora, Ritesh Gupta, Jitendra Kumar Meena","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_100_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_100_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rice is a dietary staple for more than half of the global population, particularly in Asia. However, its vulnerability to accumulating environmental heavy metal contaminants during its production and processing raises significant public health concerns. Chronic exposure to arsenic and lead has carcinogenic health effects, posing a risk of lung, bladder, liver, and breast cancer. This study examines arsenic and lead contamination in rice varieties across different locations in India and their ecological associations with prevailing cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Rice samples were collected from 13 districts across six major rice-producing states in India (northern and southern regions). Selective Arsenic and lead concentrations were examined in collected rice samples and analyzed using standard testing methods. The results were compared with Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSAI) and World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. A desk review of existing cancer reports was performed for ecological comparison.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Arsenic and lead concentrations significantly varied in rice samples across regions. In state-wise analysis, Maharashtra recorded the highest arsenic levels (mean: 3.14 ppm), while Madhya Pradesh had the highest lead concentrations (mean: 3.63 ppm). These values exceeded safety limits, and the sampled states had a high burden of lung, breast, stomach, and gastrointestinal cancers potentially linked to chronic exposures to heavy metals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are regional variations in arsenic and lead contamination, often exceeding safety limits. Contaminant exposure to farmers and chronic ingestion can lead to deleterious health effects. Study highlights the need for strict regulatory oversight, safe agricultural practices, and further research into its hazards and prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"64-68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064964/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Work Posture Using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment in Sculptor Painters.","authors":"Pratikkumar K Kotwani, Shellette D Almeida","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_163_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_163_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Sculptor painters often engage in prolonged and static work postures that may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to evaluate their work postures using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool and assess the prevalence of related MSD symptoms.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To assess work posture using RULA in sculptor painters.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>Seventy sculptor painters aged 18 to 65 years were assessed. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and photographic posture analysis. RULA scores were used to evaluate ergonomic risks, while self-reported symptom surveys identified areas of musculoskeletal discomfort.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Spearman's correlation was applied to determine associations between years of work experience and work duration with RULA scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty percent of participants reported experiencing MSD symptoms. The lower back was the most commonly affected region (20%), followed by the neck (5.7%) and wrists (4.3%). The average RULA score was 5.19, indicating a need for prompt ergonomic intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings underscore the importance of incorporating postural education, physiotherapy, and ergonomic interventions to reduce MSD risk in sculptor painters.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"75-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Under the Hood - Decoding Musculoskeletal Health among Vehicle Mechanics in Urban Mumbai: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Vijaya Krishnan, Archita Dabhole","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_266_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_266_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant cause of ill health among working populations. Vehicle repair mechanics are at high risk due to their work nature.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the prevalence, pattern, and severity of musculoskeletal disorders among automotive repair mechanics in Mumbai, India, and to analyze associated postural risks.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 garage mechanics in Mumbai. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Postural risks were analyzed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scale. Joint angles were measured using Kinovea software. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 423 mechanics, 23 (5.4%) reported pain, primarily in the lower back (26.1%) and knees (34.8%). The median age was 29 years (IQR: 9). Most mechanics worked 10-12 h daily (51.1%), 7 days a week (70.4%). REBA scores were significantly correlated with trunk posture (<i>r</i> = 0.645, <i>P</i> = 0.001) and Score A (<i>r</i> = 0.85, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Lower back pain showed a positive correlation with REBA scores (<i>r</i> = 0.050, <i>P</i> = 0.819).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among vehicle repair mechanics in this sample was relatively low. However, those who reported pain primarily experienced lower back and knee pain. Postural risks, particularly trunk posture, were significantly associated with overall ergonomic risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"59-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occurrence of Needlestick Injury Among the Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Center in Western Rajasthan, India.","authors":"Sukanya Mehrotra, Ravisekhar Gadepalli, Vibhor Tak, Nikhil Kothari, Ramkaran Chaudhary, Gopal Krishna Bohra, Nitin Kumar Bajpai, Vidhi Jain","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_136_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_136_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the practice of NSI among HCWs and their follow-up.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Hospital-based cross-sectional study from June 2021 to December 2022. HCWs were given a self-administered questionnaire, their blood samples were collected for viral markers, and they were followed up at 6, 12, and 24 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 805 HCWs, 212 (26.33%) had experienced NSI, with a predominance of nurses; 110/212 (51.8%). Underreporting was seen in 56/212 (26.4%) HCWs. Unknown sources were 58 (27.4%) and 31/212 (14.6%) had seropositive sources. Only 77 (36.3%) cases were followed up to completion, and no seroconversion was noted. Factors increasing the chances of infection post-NSI were nonprotective anti-HBs titers, incomplete vaccination, deep injury, late reporting, nonadherence to PEP, and seropositive source.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Need a multifaceted approach combining educational training, policy implementation, and surveillance. Continued research and targeted interventions will contribute to a safer healthcare environment for HCWs and patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"92-97"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064954/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Driving Cleaner Practices: Evaluating the Influence of Ring Compost Units and Community Mobilization on Household Waste Behavior in an Urban Area of Central Kerala.","authors":"Shaliet R Sebastian, Geethu Mathew, Sruthy C S Kumar, Avira Chacko, Bichu P Babu, Marina R Joseph","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_89_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_89_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food waste, which is a component of municipal solid waste, is incinerated or dumped in open area which may cause severe health and environmental issues. A complete and environmentally sound Solid Waste Management requires effective contribution from all those who are involved in this problem.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the impact of an organized model of waste management system and community mobilization on food waste disposal practices.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The present Quasi Experimental Study was conducted among 198 households in Thiruvalla. A semi structured, pilot tested questionnaire was used to collect information about the baseline waste disposal methods practiced. An individual ring compost unit was set up for each individual household. The beneficiaries were given training and the survey was repeated to evaluate any change in practices after a year. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for before and after comparison of mean values across groups. p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The number of study participants practicing segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes increased from 18% (before intervention) to 80.3% (after intervention). The change in the household waste disposal practices of the study population after Setting up of a ring compost unit and waste management training was found to be statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Provision of ring compost units and training of the community could help in providing a long term solution to the domestic food waste problem.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"87-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Personal-Level Protective Measures Against Air Pollution on Respiratory Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Shiv Kumar Mudgal, Subodh Kumar, Seshadri R Varikasuvu, Saurabh Varshney, Ramesh Kumar Huda, Suresh K Sharma, Rakhi Gaur, Vipin Patidar, Sanjay Singhal, Mahalaqua Nazli Khatib","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_328_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_328_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), poses a significant global health risk, contributing to respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases. While personal-level interventions such as air purifiers and respirators are commonly used to reduce exposure, their effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of such measures in reducing adverse respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to February 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the use of air purifiers or respirators in non-occupational settings were included. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed or random-effects models, and effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Twenty-seven RCTs were included. Personal-level interventions significantly reduced indoor PM₂.₅ (SMD = -2.27; 95% CI: -2.98 to -1.55) and PM₁₀ (SMD = -3.87; 95% CI: -4.59 to -3.16) levels. However, no significant improvements were observed for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.15), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), respiratory symptoms, or blood pressure. Sensitivity analysis showed a significant reduction in FeNO (SMD = -0.16; 95% CI: -0.28 to -0.04). While effective in reducing particulate matter, personal-level interventions showed limited clinical benefits for respiratory or cardiovascular health.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"13-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Physical Workload and Maximum Working Capacity among Workers of Metallurgy Factories Processing Aluminum in Howrah District of West Bengal.","authors":"Debasish Biswas, Manabendra Sau, Srayashi Debbarma, Kishore P Madhwani, Amalendu Samanta","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_100_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_100_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Assessing physical workload is the most important step in deciding whether the workload is high and adopting appropriate control strategies to reduce physical workload.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess physical workload, maximum working capacity (MWC), and relative load (RL) of study participants engaged in manual material handling.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted in two aluminum processing metallurgy factories in the Howrah district of the Indian state of West Bengal. The sample size for the proposed research work was 424 workers. Data was collected on a predesigned and pretested questionnaire and was subsequently analyzed by using a suitable statistical package.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean age of the workers was 45.46 ± 10.25 years. Most of the (28.54%) respondents had completed the Primary level of education. The majority of respondents were from the upper middle class (34.67%). Most of the workers (63.44%) were engaged in \"workers doing other types of job,\" whereas 12.03% workers were operating machines, and 7.31% workers were doing manual material handling. The majority of the workers (48.39%) were manual material handlers who had moderate physical workload, and 32.26% and 19.35% manual material handlers had heavy and light physical workload, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>About one-third of the manual handlers of the present study were subjected to RL beyond the acceptable limit because of disproportionate physical workload and MWC.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"53-58"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064963/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global Burden of Green Tobacco Sickness in Farm Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence, Gender Disparities, and Socio-Economic Determinants.","authors":"Hossein Kargar Jahromi, Sara Moghaddam, Sanaz Amiri, Mohammad Sadegh Moradi Sarcheshmeh, Saeed Seyfi, Hamed Delam","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_106_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_106_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) represents a subcategory of an occupational illness defined by nicotine dermal absorption among tobacco workers. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence of GTS, explore gender and socio-economic inequalities, and investigate temporal patterns for informing policy and preventive strategies. A meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines. Databases like PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. Studies that report GTS prevalence, containing observational data, were selected. The data extraction process included study design, demographic data, and prevalence. Meta-regression was conducted to determine the impact of factors such as human development index (HDI), year of publication, and development category on pooled prevalence rate estimates, while overall pooled prevalence was calculated by random effects model. Publication bias was measured using funnel plots and Egger's test. Based on the 17 studies (17,609 workers), the estimated global prevalence of GTS stood at 23.6% (95% CI: 15.4%-34.5%) Women had higher prevalence (37.3%: 95% CI: 19.0%-60.2%) than men (21.7%: 95% CI: 11.4%-37.5%). Meta-regression analysis found an association of lower prevalence rates with higher HDI, GTS prevalence was higher in countries with lower HDI (β = -8.59, <i>P</i> < 0.001). No considerable publication bias was found to exist (Egger's test: <i>P</i> = 0.446). As the prevalence of GTS has increased, this calls for action to be taken to rectify the deterioration of working conditions such as the provision of protective equipment and gendered health care policies that mitigate the health risks of women who smoke and work as GTS.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"6-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064951/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Conceptual Framework for Ergonomic Interventions in a Bangladeshi Metal Workshop to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders.","authors":"Md Mushiur Rahman, Mir Md Mofachel Hossain, Md Mohibul Islam, Aizizul Haque Raza","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_23_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_23_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study develops a conceptual framework for ergonomic interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers in metal workshops in Bangladesh. Workers in this sector frequently adopt awkward postures such as deep squatting, bending, and prolonged sitting, which significantly increase the risk of MSDs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ergonomic assessments were conducted using RULA, REBA, OWAS, and spinal compression analysis, supported by digital human modeling techniques in CATIA and Tecnomatix Jack. The design of ergonomic chairs and height-adjustable workbenches was based on anthropometric measurements collected from 200 male participants aged 18 to 41 years, ensuring compatibility with local body dimensions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that standing and sitting postures facilitated by appropriately designed ergonomic furniture reduce biomechanical stress compared to the deep squatting postures commonly used during welding and grinding activities. In welding operations, standing yielded the lowest RULA, REBA, and OWAS scores, whereas sitting resulted in the minimum spinal compression. For grinding tasks, standing provided the most favorable ergonomic risk scores, while sitting effectively reduced spinal loads. These postural improvements demonstrate the value of ergonomics-based workstation redesign in minimizing MSD risk factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Based on the results, customized ergonomic guidelines were developed, recommending standing as the primary working posture and sitting as a secondary alternative to alleviate fatigue. The proposed framework offers a practical and cost-effective approach for assisting small- and medium-sized enterprises in Bangladesh in reducing MSD risks, improving worker comfort, and enhancing productivity. Although the interventions have not yet been tested in operational workshop environments, further research is recommended to implement and evaluate these ergonomic solutions in real-world settings to determine their long-term effects on employee health and work efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"80-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational Dermatitis among the Metal Working Fluid Factory Workers in Bengaluru - A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"N Yashaswini, Dinesh Rajaram, Priyadarshini Chidambaram, Shivaraj N Somanna","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_86_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_86_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are complex oils used to protect the metal piece and the cutting tool from friction and wear out during the machining process. Direct contact of skin with MWF can lead to occupational dermatitis (O.D.). It is a local skin inflammation caused by occupational exposure to any substance at work leading to dryness, itching, redness, and wheals on the skin. Annually, 1.2 million metal workers are exposed to MWF, but there needs to be more research on them.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To determine the associated factors of O.D. among the MWF factory workers in Bengaluru.</p><p><strong>Methods and material: </strong>A cross-sectional study among 205 MWF workers in 6 MWF factories was conducted to obtain data on sociodemographic details, work details, and symptoms of O.D. Descriptive statistics of categorical variables like O.D. were summarized in percentages with a 95% confidence level. Chi-square test and Binary logistic regression were used to study the association of O.D. with MWF.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The proportion of O.D. was 15.4%, with 14.6%, 14.6%, 13.2%, 5.9%, and 6.3% having dryness, itching, redness, cuts, and bleeding, respectively. In Logistic regression, the factors associated with statistically significant are age [4.13 (1.5-3.6)], years of service duration [6.13 (1.48-25.6)], machining process [0.002 (1.731-10.7] enclosure of machines [(0.30 (0.19-0.90)], and nonuse of gloves [0.15 (0.05-0.44)].</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This research concludes that MWF workers observed that 15.6% had O.D. Preventing O.D. by limiting exposure to MWF through periodic training, adequate supply and practice of personal protective equipment, engineering, and medical measures are crucial.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"25-29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}