Abstract
A beedi is a thin South Asian cigarette made of 0.2-0.3 g of tobacco flake wrapped in a tendu(Diospyrox melanoxylon) leaf and secured with colored thread at both ends. As it is a cheap form of tobacco consumption, it is extremely popular among the poor but it carries greater health risks as it delivers more nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar than conventional cigarettes.The Beedi industry in India is an age- old industry. A large part of this industry is unregulated, home based and is dominated by women who are usually involved in the process of rolling of raw Beedis. Beedi rolling is a major occupation for a lot of women, who form the root of the industry. Since they do not make use of any protective wear they get exposed to unburnt tobacco mainly through the cutaneous and nasopharyngeal route and Cotinine was detected in urine and saliva indicating that there is absorption of substantial levels of nicotine.
Purpose : To determine the health problems suffered by women involved in beedi rolling.
Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among the Women Beedi Rollers attending outreach centers consenting to participate in the study. The study subjects were interviewed and a questionnaire was filled.
Results: 200 subjects were included in the study. The study showed that following findings 100% of the subjects had symptoms, burning of eyes 60%, knee and joint problems 70%, burning sensation of skin 40%, respiratory symptoms in 80%. Main respiratory complaints were rhinitis, non productive cough , asthmatic attacks.
Conclusion: Following study found a significant adverse health events in women involved in beedi rolling which is an unorganized sector. Proper legislative measures should be formed to ensure their health.
- © 2014 ERS
