Beedi rolling and the health hazards associated with occupational exposure: A situational review from Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background Beedi rolling is one of the major unorganized sector activities in India and essentially employs a large number of women. The beedi industry is a labour-intensive cottage industry. The beedi is essentially a traditional form of lsquocigarettersquo and is commonly consumed by the non-affluent sections of the society. Workers engaged in the beedi rolling industry are known to suffer from many medical conditions either due to the indirect consumption of tobacco dust leading to respiratory diseases or from dermatological conditions due to the rolling process.Objectives To assess the working conditions of beedi rollers in Karnataka and to describe the occupational and health hazards that beedi rollers are exposed to and the medical conditions they are prone to developing.Methodology The study utilizes datasets on beedi workers in India especially the state of Karnataka. Data analysed for this review consists of publicly available data sources from the ILO the Ministry of Labour and Employment Govt. of India NSSO and peer-reviewed journal publications in this area.Results Beedi rollers face several health hazards and occupational exposure to tobacco during beedi rolling results in several medical conditions including musculoskeletal problems gastrointestinal problems respiratory disorders neurological disorders eye problems skin diseases gynaecological concerns cytogenic problems and blood related problems. As beedi rolling is often their only source of livelihood beedi rollers work for extended hours without realizing the harm it causes to them.Conclusion There are several beedi rolling pockets in India which serve the continued demand for this low-cost alternative to a cigarette. Longterm exposure to tobacco and poor working conditions wreak havoc on the health of beedi workers. There is a need to address the dearth of research related to tobacco cultivators and tendu leaf collectors. Research on alternative livelihoods for beedi workers needs to be undertaken and awareness of beedi workers regarding statutory benefits available under different welfare schemes needs to be improved.nbsp