Health Hazards of Rearing Silk Worms and Environmental Impact Assessment of Rearing Households of Kashmir, India

The objective of the study was to investigate the role and importance of sericulture in Kashmir, the environmental impact of sericulture rearing units, and to assess the health risk factors of the workers working in this industry. The study was conducted at different rearing units of Kashmir valley situated in India. A prepared questionnaire was circulated among the rearers and control subjects to assess the health risk factors of the workers. Temperature, humidity and light intensity were measured with the help of thermohygrometer and digital lux meter, respectively. The present investigation indicates that majority of the rearers were suffering from health problems like eye irritation, injuries, back pain, allergies, respiratory problems and headache. Certain measures have been suggested that may improve the economic conditions of the rearers which may ultimately reduce the health risk factors among them. Therefore, it is recommend that personal protective equipments and appliances for rearing should be provided to the rearers to reduce the health risk factors.