Occupational Environment and Health in India

Work environments in industries in developing countries are not radically different from those in highly industrialized nations. The main difference between developing and developed countries that may have an impact on occupational exposure problems is in the exposed populations. In developing countries, the low status of health and nutrition of industrial workers may amplify occupational health problems. Adequate preventive measures to protect the jeopardized workers and to promote their total health are imperative. For this purpose, the past experience of industrialized countries must be taken note of by nascent nations. In developing countries, community health problems need to be overcome, adequate environmental sanitation ensured, and a task force of occupational physicians and hygienists trained to tackle the future health problems posed by switching over to an industrial economy.