ISSN (Online): 2456-6268
Journal of Fisheries and Life Sciences

Journal of Fisheries and Life Sciences

2017, Vol. 2 Issue 1, Part JUNE
Occupational health hazards among Irular tribal fisherwomen fishing in Pichavaram Mangrove Water
Author(s): S. Velvizhi and A. Gopalakrishnan
Abstract: A study was conducted in view to assess the factors contributing to the occupational health hazards among Irular tribal fisherwomen fishing in Pichavaram mangrove forest areas. Two hundred and fifty Irular fisherwomen from 8 Irular settlements were randomly selected through convenient sampling. Direct interview methods were adopted to collect information on the various occupational health hazards faced by the respondents. The results indicated that out of 250 respondents, 182 fisherwomen had skin softening, 155 suffered catfish bites, 135 reported lesions caused by oysters and 134 had finger nail cavity problems. 120 fisherwomen suffered mouth ulcer and blistering, 33 reported lightening and storming risks, 73 were affected by itching and skin rashes, 43 suffered from stomach ulcers, and 39 suffered menstruation-related problems. About 22 fisherwomen reported shivering and 32 were affected by leg and knee pain due to the fishing practices in which they were involved in the mangrove backwaters. Around 19 fisherwomen also reported other health hazards such as crab bite, snake bite, hair bleaching and skin darkening, which are some of the common occupational hazards faced by Irular fisherwomen while engaged in the various fishing practices in the Pichavaram mangrove waters. The study concluded that Irular fisherwomen fishing in Pichavaram mangrove waters are prone to various occupational health problems and strategies need to be developed to limit the problem and to promote their health.
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