Pottery Workers Research Articles

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among traditional pottery makers at selected places in Bengaluru – A cross-sectional study

Abstract: CONTEXT: Pottery is defined as clay that has been fashioned into the desired shape and then dried to reduce its water content before being fried or baked to fix its form. The artisans living in traditional societies are normally influenced by their environment as well as by their myths, legends, rituals, ceremonies, festivals, social organization, and cultural norms which are reflected in their creations. The poor environmental conditions and the lack of protective equipment in these pottery workshops are key contributing factors to the development of these occupational diseases. Most pottery industries are small- to medium-scale industries and have longer and irregular working hours, a higher percentage of elderly employees, limited opportunities for health education or health inspection, and insufficient health promotion facilities compared with large companies. These factors are considered to play an important part in the development of occupational diseases and some nonspecific diseases such as psychosomatic, cardiovascular, and locomotor diseases among pottery workers. Traditional pottery making has its unique method of potter-work where it demands prolonged squatting without back support for hours which can develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). AIMS: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) among traditional pottery makers at selected places in Bengaluru. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two rural communities of Bengaluru. One hundred and ten traditional pottery makers were randomly selected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were screened for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, following which the pottery makers who reported low back pain (LBP) were screened for the severity of disability using the Modified Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire (M-OSW). The results obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: The result showed the highest prevalence of MSDs in the lower back, the findings of this study confirmed the work-related stress on traditional pottery makers. In the present study, the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder was found in the lower back, of which had trouble in the last 12 months, 56.36% were having trouble during the last 7 days, and 19.09% were prevented from doing normal activities during the last 12 months. The prevalence of MSDs during the last 12 months revealed that the maximum of them, i.e., 24.54%, were having pain in the lower back. The present study also found MSDs prevalent in the hip joint and knee joint due to the occupational need to complete the work on prolonged squatting. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that prolonged work exposure and awkward work postural demand increase the incidence of MSD among traditional pottery makers in Bengaluru.

Study of the performance of small industry and household pottery craft workers based on ergonomic principles

Musculoskeletal complaints in pottery workers occur due to the use of work tools that are not ergonomic. Work tools that are not ergonomic cause unnatural work postures such as squatting, bending over, out of reach, etc. Overcoming this requires measuring workers' body dimensions or anthropometric data. Using anthropometric data in tool design requires worker measurement data to be calculated using percentiles according to the tool to be designed or redesigned. Applying worker anthropometric data provides work tool designs that suit workers' needs so that they are comfortable when used. This has the impact of no longer causing musculoskeletal complaints, often referred to as ergonomic work tools. Applying ergonomics principles in small industries and households is necessary so that workers can carry out their work effectively, comfortably, safely, healthily, and efficiently. This is so that workers can increase their productivity while maintaining their health.

Occupational Lead Exposure Ototoxicity Evaluated With Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions.

To evaluate the extent of hearing loss among pottery workers in Mexico exposed to lead. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study including 315 adult pottery workers. Auditory function was evaluated by air conduction pure-tone audiometry (pure-tone average) and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) levels (amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio). Lead exposure was assessed with a single blood sample test and classified as low, medium, and high according to blood lead tertiles. Logistic regression models were calculated for the association between blood lead levels, pure-tone average, and DPOAE records. Median (25th-75th) blood lead levels were 14 μg/dL (7.5-22.6 μg/dL). The audiometric pattern and DPOAE records were similar across blood lead levels groups in all frequencies, and no statistically significant differences were found. Adjusted logistic regression models showed no increase in the odds for hearing thresholds >25 dB (HL) and DPOAE absence associated with blood lead levels, and no dose-response pattern was observed ( p > 0.05). Given the results from this cross-sectional study, no association was found between blood lead levels and hearing loss assessed with DPOAE. Future longitudinal work should consider chronic lead exposure estimates among underrepresented populations, which can potentially inform safer work practices to minimize the risk of ototoxicity.

Assessing neuropsychological disorders affecting pottery workers occupationally exposed to air pollutants

ObjectivePottery-related activities are characterized by the emission of multiple air pollutants in the form of particulate matter, gases, and organic compounds. These pollutants are associated with adverse neuropsychological effects. This study aimed at investigating the effect of occupational exposure to air pollutants on the neuropsychiatric health. MethodsA total of 180 male workers (90 exposed workers and 90 administrative employees) were recruited from pottery-making activities in the Fawakher region located in old Cairo (Misr Al-Kadema); the administrative employees were the control group. Personal, medical, and family histories, general and neurological clinical examination, and neuropsychological assessments were recorded. Serum levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal levels (4HNE) were measured by ELISA. Environmental measurement of workplace air pollutants was performed. ResultsEnvironmental monitoring of the workplace revealed that workers are exposed to high levels of SO2 and NO2 as these exceeded the national standard levels. Compared to the control group, the exposed workers’ group demonstrated a significant decrease in digit forwards score, digit backward score, and symbol digit score and a significant higher Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Benton Visual Retention score. The level of 4HNE was significantly increased among the exposed workers’ group compared to that of the control group. ConclusionOccupational exposure to air pollutants is associated with impairment in neuropsychological functions, with a corresponding increase in the serum level of 4HNE, which is a biomarker for oxidative stress among Egyptian pottery workers.

Comparative study of lung function in Iranian factory workers exposed to silica dust

The study compared lung function among 322 workers in pottery, ceramic, stone-cutter and stone-grinder factories in the west of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Concentrations of silica particles <2 microm were measured in the ambient air of factories. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly lower in stone-grinders compared with pottery, ceramic or stone-cutter workers and a control group. No difference in lung function was found in pottery and stone-cutter workers with less than 20 years occupation compared with controls. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in stone-grinders was higher than other workers. The concentration of silica particles of stone-grinder factories was 40-110 times higher than in ceramic and potteries factories. More attention is needed to ventilation systems and health care of stone-grinders.

Predictive value of novel biomarkers for chronic kidney disease among workers occupationally exposed to silica.

There is a pressing need to find reliable biomarkers for the early diagnosis of silica-induced nephropathy. Abundant genes are upregulated in damaged kidneys with subsequent protein products appearing in the urine. Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) are among the most promising. Our objective was to study the importance of L-FABP and KIM-1 genes and their urinary proteins in the early detection of silica-induced renal injury, as compared with other conventional biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 pottery workers occupationally exposed to silica, as compared to 90 controls. A full history taking and complete clinical examination were performed. Levels of serum creatinine, liver enzymes, urinary silicon, KIM-1, and L-FABP gene expression and protein products were measured. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated, and abdominal ultrasound was performed. The results showed that the silica-exposed group had a statistically significant increase in serum creatinine and urinary silica, as well as a significant decrease in eGFR. Additionally, a significant increase in KIM-1 and L-FABP gene expression, associated with a significant increase in their urinary protein, was found among the exposed group. A positive correlation between urinary silica level and L-FABP gene expression was also found. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for L-FABP and KIM-1 gene as predictors for silica-induced nephropathy showed that L-FABP gene and protein specificity were greater than the KIM-1 gene and protein. Taken together, these findings suggest that the L-FABP gene and its protein product may be used as early indicators for renal injury among silica exposed workers.

Sex-Related Differences in the Risk of Silicosis Among Chinese Pottery Workers: A Cohort Study.

To investigate the effect of sex on the risk of silicosis and to explore any interaction between cigarette smoking and sex in the development of silicosis. The cohort was selected from eight Chinese pottery factories. Diagnoses of silicosis were based on 1986 Chinese pneumoconiosis Roentgen diagnostic criteria. Data on cigarette smoking were collected by face-to-face interviews in 1989 and 2003. Eight thousand eight hundred and eighty seven dust-exposed workers were included. Men had a 77% higher incidence of silicosis than women. At lower pack-years of smoking, men were 72% more at risk than women. The latency period was found to be longest in female never-smokers and shortest in female ever-smokers. Men had a higher risk of developing silicosis than women. Cigarette smoking increased the risk in both sexes, more so in women.

Zinc-protoporphyrin determination by HPLC with fluorescence detection as a biomarker of lead effect in artisanal pottery workers.

Lead (Pb) exposure compromises heme synthesis by inhibiting ferrochelatase, forming zinc-protoporphyrin (ZnPP). This study aims to validate a method for the determination of ZnPP by HPLC with fluorescence detection and apply this method to evaluate the extent of Pb exposure of artisanal pottery workers. Extraction procedures were tested using both nonacid and acid liquid-liquid extraction. The former presented a better chromatogram and recovery results. The validated method yielded a good resolution of ZnPP and its free form peaks with acceptable precision and accuracy. Total run time was 15 min and ZnPP peak retention time was 5.6 min. We applied this method to evaluate 39 potters (90% male), mean age 40 years (9-80). The medians (ranges) of blood lead, ZnPP and hemoglobin were 16.0 μg/dl (2.2-71.5), 12.6 μg/dl (4.6-279.8) and 15.1 g/dl (11.0-17.8), respectively. Significant differences were observed for blood lead according to gender, age range (>40 years), direct handling of lead oxide and years of occupation. Significantly higher levels of ZnPP were observed in male potters involved with lead glazing activity. The validated method was shown to be simple with one-step nonacid extraction, good sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy. Our data shows that these laborers are dangerously exposed to Pb, reflecting the effect on the heme synthesis.

Study of Estimation of Urinary Delta Aminolevulinic Acid Levels as an Indicator of Lead Exposure in Pottery Workers

Background: Lead toxicity is a significant environmental hazard and has widespread ill effects on human body. In this study we detected the lead exposure by measuring urinary delta aminolevulinic acid levels. The activity of delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme is inhibited significantly by lead, which leads to an increase in urinary δ- ALA excretion. Hence we can use estimation of urinary δ-ALA levels as a surrogate marker of lead exposure in pottery workers.&#x0D; Aim: To estimate the urinary delta aminolevulinic acid levels in pottery workers as an index of lead exposure.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was done on 85 pottery workers of age group between 18 to 50 years with their brief history related to lead exposure. Their urine samples were analysed for δ-ALA by Ehrlich method.&#x0D; Results: According to our observation, it was found that out of 85 urine samples; 58 samples showed increased urinary δ-ALA levels (68.23%).&#x0D; Conclusion: We conclude that the prevalence of lead exposure in pottery workers in Mumbai is very high. Good hygienic practices and necessary precautions should be followed to avoid its ill effects on human body.

Knowledge, Risk Factors and Preventive Practices against Tuberculosis among Pottery Workers in Southwestern Nigeria

Mortality and morbidity figures associated with tuberculosis are generally scary. Raw materials involved in the pottery making process contain crystalline silica which has been documented as risk factors to the development of tuberculosis. Unfortunately Nigeria pottery workers have no formal occupational health services. This study determined the knowledge of risk factors and preventive practices against pulmonary tuberculosis among pottery workers in Oye, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among 198 pottery workers selected using multistage sampling method. Research instrument consisted of a semi structured interviewer administered pretested questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 23.0. Results shows that a one hundred and ninety four (98%) of the respondents have ever heard of pulmonary tuberculosis, 178(89.9%) of them don't know whether clay soil contained chemicals that could predispose them to tuberculosis. Only 64.1%, 56.6% and 59.1% had good mean general knowledge, good mean knowledge of prevention and good mean perception scores to tuberculosis respectively. Sixty three (31.8%) said that pottery workers are among those at risk of developing Tuberculosis (TB). Only 51 (25.8%) said they used protective equipment. Predictors of good general knowledge and good perception of TB include age above 24 years, being female, having post primary school education, having spent more than 5 years in pottery business and using protective devices (p&lt;0.005). There is need for recognition and prioritization of all silica-exposed workers for screening and treatment services in anti-TB programmes of the Government.

How much did pottery workers know about classical art and civilisation?

Abstract The voices of pottery workers across the British Isles during the heyday of the taste for classically themed ceramics are almost silent to us, since so few left memoirs or diaries. But other sources cumulatively build up a picture of skilled male, female, and child workers familiar with multifarious ancient artefacts and books visually reproducing them. At Etruria and Herculaneum, workers were encouraged to see themselves as participants in the rebirth of the ancient ceramic arts; they were trained in painstaking reproduction of details not only from ancient vases but from ancient gems, intaglios, ivories, coins, bas-reliefs, frescoes, friezes, statues, and sarcophagi. They were familiar with the stories of a substantial number of ancient mythical and historical figures, and the different aesthetic conventions of classical Athenian, Hellenistic, and Roman art. Some were even able to study antiquity at institutions of adult education, and had access to well-stocked workers’ libraries.

Pottery workers, ‘the Ladies’, and ‘the Middling Class of people’: production and marketing of ‘Etruscan and Grecian vases’ at Wedgwood c.1760–1820*

Abstract Collections of Greek vases, and their reproductions in the form of luxury publications and vessels displayed atop bookshelves in libraries, were the domain of male elites in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain. Less well explored is the consumption of creative reproductions of Greek vases by elite and ‘middling’ women, and the participation of women across the social spectrum in the production of ceramics inspired by Greek vases. This article uses the Wedgwood archive to tell such stories. The subjects range from aristocratic designers through paintresses to women doing the hard labour of wedging. It argues for the importance of recognizing these engagements with Greek vases as part of the history of the reception of Greek vases in Britain. It explores the way that gender and class constrained the kind of contact women had with these materials, and it puts forward an interpretation of these engagements as independent embodied knowledge of Greek vases.

Association of Silica Dust Exposure and Cigarette Smoking With Mortality Among Mine and Pottery Workers in China

The joint association of long-term silica dust exposure and cigarette smoking with mortality has not been well established. To evaluate the joint association of silica dust exposure and cigarette smoking with mortality in a large cohort of workers at mines and factories in China. This cohort study included 44 708 adults who were employed in 20 metal mines and 9 pottery factories in central and southern China for at least 1 year between January 1, 1960, and December 31, 1974. Participants were retrospectively followed up to January 1, 1960, and prospectively followed up to December 31, 2003. Data analysis was conducted from April 5, 2019, to October 26, 2019. Cumulative respirable silica dust exposure was estimated by linking a job-exposure matrix to participants' personal work histories. Cigarette smoking data were collected through participant questionnaires. The main outcome was mortality, with codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) used to categorize diseases associated with mortality. Among 44 708 participants, 38 221 (85.49%) were men, with a mean (SD) age at cohort entrance of 26.9 (8.1) years. A total of 13 700 deaths were observed during 1 534 005 person-years of follow-up, with a median follow-up period of 34.9 years (range, 4.8-43.9 years). Silica exposure was associated with a higher risk of mortality among individuals with all diseases, lung cancer, respiratory tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, and diseases of the respiratory system; cigarette smoking was associated with an increased risk of mortality among individuals with all diseases, lung cancer, respiratory tuberculosis, cerebrovascular diseases, and diseases of the respiratory tract. The hazard ratios for the joint association of silica dust exposure and cigarette smoking with mortality were 4.51 (95% CI, 3.23-6.29) for lung cancer, 3.21 (95% CI, 2.53-4.08) for certain infectious and parasitic diseases, 3.93 (95% CI, 2.99-5.15) for respiratory tuberculosis, 6.27 (95% CI, 4.83-8.15) for diseases of the respiratory system, and 12.52 (95% CI, 7.92-19.80) for pneumoconiosis, with a significant additive interaction (P < .001). The proportions of the joint association for the additive interaction of silica dust exposure and cigarette smoking were 21.63% for lung cancer, 42.12% for certain infectious and parasitic diseases, 42.25% for respiratory tuberculosis, 29.55% for diseases of the respiratory system, and 36.46% for pneumoconiosis. These findings suggest that cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of mortality in individuals exposed to silica dust. Smoking cessation and the control of silica dust concentrations may be important for reducing the risk of mortality among individuals exposed to silica.

Comparison of Risk of Silicosis in Metal Mines and Pottery Factories: A 44-Year Cohort Study

Little is known about the different risk of silicosis in metal mines and pottery factories. We aimed to compare the silicosis risks among silica-exposed workers in different industrial circumstances. Are the silicosis risks among silica-exposed workers in industrial circumstances different? We studied 39,808 workers followed up from January 1, 1960 to December 31, 2003 in China. Cumulative respirable silica dust exposure (CDE) was estimated by linking a job-exposure matrix to personal work history. Silicosis of stage I or higher was diagnosed by Chinese pneumoconiosis Roentgen diagnostic criteria. A total of 9,377 silicosis patients were diagnosed during 1,153,580.9 person-years' follow-up in the cohort. Hazard ratios of silicosis for each 1mg/m3-year increase in CDE were 1.08 (1.07-1.08) for tungsten mines, 1.41 (1.33-1.48) for iron and copper mines, 1.14 (1.11-1.17) for tin mines, and 1.03 (1.02-1.04) for pottery factories, respectively. When exposed to 0.05mg/m3 of respirable silica dust for 45 years, the cumulative risks in metal mines (2.3%, 9.9%, 1.5%for tungsten mines, iron and copper mines, and tin mines, respectively) were still higher than those in pottery factories (0.6%). The joint effect of silica and smoking on silicosis was more than multiplicative. The risk of silicosis in metal miners is higher than that in pottery workers when exposed to the same level of silica dust. The silica dust exposed years should be under 10 years for metal miners and 40 years for pottery workers at 0.05mg/m3 to keep lifetime risk within 0.1%. Current exposure limits should take into account differences in various industrial circumstances. Smoking cessation could help reduce silicosis risk for silica-exposed workers.

Problems of Mirt, and potentials of improved Gonzie and traditional open cook stoves in biomass consumption and end use emission in rural wooden houses of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract The efficiency of traditional open cook stoves in supplying firewood energy is usually low. Accordingly, firewood saving, improved stoves called “Mirt” made of cement and “Gonzie” made of local clay soils were made in 1980s in energy sector of Ethiopia. However, the dissemination of Mirt stove was unknowingly limited and the potential of Gonzie was less known. In this study the two improved cook stoves, Mirt and Gonzie were compared with open stoves in biomass consumption and end use emission at three agro-ecologies (lowland, midland and highland) and corresponding sample peasant associations (PA) or Kebeles (Ener Kola, Daemir and Awed) in Enemorina Ener district (county), Southern Ethiopia in 2017. At hierarchical administrative level, first district energy offices were interviewed about stoves used in PA. Then the next administrative level called PA was selected in turn to select rural households and focus groups, in order to interview about the problems of getting Mirt stoves and to test the potential of local clay soils in making Gonzie stoves. In each PA, 30% of the houses with common cooking condition, about 6 to 21 households; 3–5 pottery workers; and PA representatives were interviewed. Then, Gonzie stoves were manufactured, and biomass consumption was evaluated using controlled cooking test. The results showed that the problems in dissemination of Mirt stoves were the unaffordable cost of stoves, lack of training in using improved stoves and inappropriate size plates. The households in remote lowland and highland PAs had no knowledge about improved stoves. The overall quality of Gonzie stoves of highland and lowland PAs were comparably better than the midland PA. Curing a single Gonzie stoves consumed 1.8 to 2.0 times greater firewood than the daily requirement of a household, but lower than the firewood for other clay based utensils that consume 42 to 75 kg firewood weekly. Gonzie stoves saved 33.9 to 54.2% of the firewood used by open stoves for baking “Injera”. The reduction in end use emission from Gonzie stoves was comparable to Mirt stoves. Therefore, rural households, and local pottery makers should be trained to use and manufacture improved stoves, respectively. In cooking food and curing local clay made utensils improved stoves should be used to save wood and protect fire damage.

Hazards awareness and practice of safety measures among pottery workers in Ilorin, Kwara

Hazards awareness and practice of safety measures among pottery workers in Ilorin, Kwara

PROSPEROUS OF POTTERY INDUSTRY AND THE ARTISANS OF MANAMADURAI

In India, over 260 million live in poverty. Poverty is because of high level unemployment, underemployment, low level of income and increase in debt. Developing rural economy is a prime concerns for every developing country. Continuously efforts were made for improving the social and economic well-being of rural people. The Department of Rural Development within the Ministry of Rural Development has been organized for upliftment of the rural people. Many programmes and schemes have been implemented for the development of rural economy. The schemes aim at generating employment, eliminating poverty, developing infrastructure, social security to the rural mass. Pottery is one of the oldest industries which provide employment to rural people. This sector is characterized by low investment, operational flexibility, local resources and domestic and export opportunity. An object of art made of a composition of clay and sand and baked with earthen color, is Pottery. A cottage industrial society in Manamadurai, more than 120 families of artisans are producing pottery crafts. The economy of this village largely depends on pottery industry. So a study has been made in Manamadurai Pottery Workers Cooperative society to analyze the problem of artisans and rejuvenate the industry.

Assessment of genotoxic and humoral immune system alterations in silica exposed workers from pottery industries in South India

Chemicals, especially silica, have been suspected to cause genetic alterations in pottery industry workers. The present study aims to analyze the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronucleus (MN) and DNA damage (comet assay) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes and the immunological alterations workers chronically exposed to silica and in control subjects. In our study, 50 silica exposed workers and 35 control subjects were recruited and silica level was measured by respirable dust and respirable quartz concentrations of badge dosimeter. The serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, and IgA) of all the subjects were measured by using ELISA method. The individuals exposed to silica have a significant increase in the frequency of CA, MN and the total DNA damage (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin elevation on silica exposed workers was statistically significant (p < 0.05) on comparison with their respective controls. Investigation of the smoking and alcohol habitats coupled with silica exposure in exposed and control subjects represents alcohol consumption and smoking as additional risk factors and must be avoided. Multiple linear regression analysis obtained for CA, MN and comet assay confirm these tests as biomarkers for silica exposed pottery workers. Some confounding factors also showed significant influence on exposed subjects. These results indicate the mutagenic risk in the working environment has a high probability of association with the silica dust exposure in pottery industries. Nevertheless, the present study will create awareness and public concern not only among the silica exposed workers but also to the welfare of their progeny.

Mortality in a cohort of Staffordshire pottery workers: follow-up to December 2008

ObjectivesTo examine mortality from lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic non-malignant renal disease (cNMRD) in pottery workers exposed to silica.MethodsA cohort of Stoke-on-Trent pottery workers (N=5115), previously...

Mortality from renal disease in two cohorts exposed at work to crystalline silica

ObjectivesTo assess the probability of a causal relationship between mortality ascribed to renal cancer and chronic renal disease in two cohorts, one of American industrial sand workers and the other...