Recent International surveys in Occupational Health have demonstrated the occurrence of a wide variety of health problems affecting the working populations, particularly in the developing world. Workers are increasingly exposed to new health hazards associated with industrialization and mechanization in agriculture, small scale industries, mining and construction as they are not equipped with essential protective measures against occupational health risks.

Over the past decades, there has been a considerable increase in the use of chemicals in industries. The industrial activities involving hazardous chemicals have the potential to cause occupational diseases, accidents, and pollution to the environment, if effective chemical safety measures are not observed. The indiscriminate, negligent handling of chemicals in work activities may be associated with the risk of occupational diseases. There is a growing need to create an effective control system in the processes involved and continuous care during manufacture, treatment of effluents, packaging, Storage, transportation, use and sale. This implies that the physician must be able to recognize work related illnesses so as to take appropriate action, not only to institute proper treatment, but to assure that patient care is coordinated with management of working environment by those in control so that recurrence of such illnesses may be prevented.

This book would be useful to Managements of Industrial establishments for scientific selection, placement, and statutory maintenance of personnel by pre-employment, periodical medical examinations for occupational health and safety in industries. This book also provides comprehensive information not only to Industrial Medical and Safety officers but also to the students of Environmental Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, and Industrial safety courses.