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One of the occupational health hazards commonly faced by the workers of ceramics, pottery and glass industry is
Explanation
Workers in the ceramics, pottery, and glass industries are frequently exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust [t1][t2]. Crystalline silica is a primary raw material used in manufacturing glass, pottery, and ceramic products [t2][t4]. Prolonged inhalation of these fine particles leads to silicosis, an incurable and progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by pulmonary fibrosis [t1][t5]. Surveillance data specifically identifies the pottery and sanitary ware industries as major sources of silicosis cases due to the high silica content in vitreous china and clay [t6]. While silica exposure is also linked to lung cancer and kidney disease [t2][t5], silicosis remains the most characteristic and historically significant occupational hazard for these specific sectors [t1][t5]. Other options like melanoma are primarily linked to UV radiation [c3], and there is no established occupational link between these industries and gallbladder or kidney stones.
Sources
- [1] https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/silicosis/providerfact.htm
- [2] http://www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline
- [3] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/engcontrols/ecd/detail172.html
- [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > Effects of human and animal health > p. 271