![]() However, this problem may be completely preventable. This is likely to increase the plasma sodium level, which in turn may increase the BP and the risk of hypertension in the exposed workers. Inhaled salt particles may be carried via a continuous upward mucocilliary current on the airway surface to throat, where they can be swallowed. These same fine particles are also able to translocate from the lungs into the circulatory system. These salt particles may be inhaled and therefore absorbed in the airway surface epithelium or the lungs. These workers may therefore inhale considerable amounts of salt during working hours. Since most salt milling plants in India are not fully enclosed, salt particles float in the air in the vicinity of the workers. Salt workers involved in the process of manufacturing, milling, and packing of salt are exposed to salt via their environment. People's occupations also have varying impact on their BP. Many animal studies, large population-based studies, epidemiological studies, meta-analyses of clinical trials, and randomized controlled trials have shown that BP is directly related to salt intake. There is an abundance of scientific evidence demonstrating a direct relation between salt intake and blood pressure (BP). Inhalation of salt particles in non-brine workers may be an occupational cause of increased blood pressure. The concentration of salt particles in the breathing zone of these workers was 376 mg/m 3 air. Systolic, as well as diastolic, blood pressure of these workers began declining on the third day and continued to decline on the fourth day, but remained stationary up to the sixth day. Nineteen salt workers were monitored while they used face masks and spectacles, for six days. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in non-brine workers (12.2%) than in brine workers (7.0%, p = 0.02). Mean diastolic blood pressure of non-brine workers (71.5 ± 10.4 mm Hg) was significantly higher than that of brine workers (69.7 ± 9.4 mm Hg, p = 0.02). Mean systolic blood pressure of non-brine workers (122.1 ± 13.3 mm Hg) was significantly higher than that of brine workers (118.8 ± 12.8 mm Hg, p < 0.01). In all, 474 non-brine workers and 284 brine workers were studied. ![]() ![]() The workers who worked with dry salt in the vicinity of salt milling plants were defined as "non-brine workers," while those working in brine pans located far away from milling plants were defined as "brine workers." Blood pressure (BP) was measured during each clinical examination. To test the above hypothesis, occupational health check-up camps were organized near salt manufacturing units and all workers were invited for a free health examination. Workers working close to salt milling plants may inhale salt particles floating in the air, leading to a rise in plasma sodium, which, in turn, may increase the blood pressure and the risk of hypertension.
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