Page 1 - 3-LESSON NOTES- HEALTH HAZARDS, CAUSES ITS EFFECTS & PREVENTION
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SAI International School
                                                      Class – VII

                                               Subject – Chemistry
                                              Topic –Animal Fibres
                   Sub-Topic –Health Hazards, Causes its Effects and Prevention

                                                  LESSON NOTES

               Health hazards of workers working in wool and silk industries

               Health Hazards:


               Workers employed in the wool and silk industries often suffer various kinds of
               ailments/diseases called occupational hazards. Health hazards can be associated
               with substances used at work, Tension generated with work, adverse condition
               prevailing in the work site and chances of contact with disease causing germs etc.

               Occupational Hazards of Wool Industries:

                   a)  Sorter’s diseases or anthrax:
                       It is an infectious disease caused by bacterium Bacillus anthracis which is
                       present in the fleece of infected animals. It causes severe blood infection.
                       Workers engaged in sorting process having high risk of getting infected by this
                       disease.
                   b)  Allergic reactions &other occupational hazards:
                       Workers may have allergic skin reactions such as irritation of skin & eyes.
                       They may suffer respiratory allergy due to inhaled hair.
               Occupational Hazards of Silk Industries:
                   a)  Workers handling raw silk may get allergic skin reactions. Various chemicals
                       used in different steps of the silk processing cause irritation of skin and eyes.
                   b)  The scales of mouth and silk fibre proteins can cause asthma.
                   c)  Continuous contact with hot water in used in reeling process of silk may turn
                       the skin of the hand soft and cause burn and scalds.
                   d)  Many dyes that are used in colouring of silk are absorbed by digestive
                       system, if ingested, can cause health problems.
                       Prevention:

                       Occupational hazards can be prevented by the following ways.

            a) Using less dangerous chemicals
            b) Having proper exhaust and ventilation
            c)  Using personal protective equipment

            d) Good washing facilities and strict personal hygiene.




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