Abstract

Abstract The paper reviews the available literature regarding the work environment in pulp and paper mills and the risk for malignant disease, lung cancer, skin problems, respiratory disease, fibrotic disease, autoimmune disease, nasal irritation and cardiac disease indicating that this occupational group was exposed to asbestos, chlorine compounds, wood dusts, formaldehyde, organic solvents, terpens, latex, clay, carboxy methyl cellulose and silica etc. although inconsistent cancer mortality rates have also been found into a retrospective workers in the paper and pulp industry. The over exposure of calcium carbonate dust can cause irritation of eyelids, redness of eye, tearing and pain in eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, nasal irritation and physical irritant of the eyes, nose, mucous membrane and skin of humans. Silica has been long known to cause progressive granulomatous and fibrotic disease in the lung in human and its affects DNA by binding directly with DNA or indirectly by promoting growth of already initiated cells. To conclude the use of toxic chemicals for pulping and bleaching paper can lead to the pollution that cause negative impacts on the health of paper industry workers. The release of toxic pollutants likes chlorine, lead, mercury and phosphorous into the environment by the industry could be responsible for the genetic damage in industry workers.

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