Heat Stress On The Rise: A Looming Occupational Health Crisis In Tamil Nadu

A recent study published in the journal Kidney International Reports highlights the severe occupational health risks faced by salt pan workers in Tamil Nadu due to escalating global temperatures and the resultant heat stress.

Conducted by researchers at the Sri Ramchandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai, the study analyzed 352 workers across seven salt pans in Tamil Nadu between 2017 and 2020. The research underscores the pressing need for adaptation strategies and improved healthcare access to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable individuals in this workforce.

The evaluation of different job roles and classified heat stress levels revealed that nearly 90% of the workers were operating above the recommended limits of heat exposure. Despite international regulations advising regular break periods in such conditions, none of the salt pans examined had implemented such measures.

The wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), a comprehensive measure of environmental factors affecting human thermal comfort, consistently exceeded safe levels in the salt pans, especially during the summer months. Workers reported symptoms of heat strain, dehydration, and urinary tract infections, attributed to excessive sweating, limited water consumption, and lack of toilet access during their shifts.

Of particular concern is the impact of heat stress on kidney health, with the study revealing a 7% prevalence of low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a marker of kidney function, among the workers. Heat stress has been linked to various kidney-related issues, including acute kidney injury, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and urinary tract infections.

Vidhya Venugopal of the Sri Ramchandra Institute of Higher Education and Research emphasized, "We have compelling evidence that heat stress poses significant health risks for these workers. Urgent action is needed to implement adaptation strategies and improve health care, sanitation access, and welfare facilities to protect the vulnerable individuals."

Failure to address this issue may lead to increased heat-related illnesses, particularly chronic kidney diseases, with potentially devastating consequences for workers globally. The study highlights the prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate access to adaptation strategies such as shade, rehydration, and rest breaks. Additionally, workers' reluctance to report symptoms due to fear of job loss or retaliation exacerbates the risk, particularly for undocumented workers without access to healthcare.

Approximately 40% of the global population faces consistently high ambient temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The researchers pointed out that India, in particular, is at significant risk, with a rise in the mean temperature of 0.7 degrees Celsius between 1901 and 2018. Projections indicate a staggering increase of 4.4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, further amplifying the health impact on its population.

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