ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND THE ASSOCIATED HEALTH EFFECTS AMONGST WORKERS OF ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY.

Abstract

The ambient environment of electronics manufacturing industry is health hazardous. Present study aims to measure environmental conditions with associated health effects on workers of this industry. Parameters of ambient air (temperature, light-intensity, relative humidity, noise) are measured from seven sections (paint plant,foaming, evaporatorfitting, electrical wiring,gas charging, electrical safety testing, and packaging) of the industry. SPSS, IBM 26 is used for data analysis. Chi-square test of association is applied to questionnaire data to analyze the extensiveness of diseases among employees in the working environment. The obtained results are compared with US-OSHA and NEQS standards. Maximum noise level (97.1dB) is at cabinet preassembly section, and lowest value 87.3 in electrical fitting section. Highest values of temperature are 41.8 in foaming section and lowest values are 35.7 in electrical safety testing, exceedingOSHA limits (20-29℃).Furthermore, highest values of relative humidity are 49.9% in evaporator fitting and lowest value 29 in foaming, paint plant and electrical safety testing. Assessment of health impact shows the N=56 workers reported cough, N=47 reported phlegm, N=38 reported chest pain, N=22 reported wheezing and N=23 reported fever in different timings. Environmental monitoring reveals that some of the metrics high in the interior and outdoor environments are also related to health issues and the industry's atmospheric conditions. Workers are uninformed of the health and safety protocols at the workplace and there is a dire need to give training and awareness regarding health and safety issues.