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The Curse of Silicosis: Mining Created a Village of Widows
Context:
In the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district lies Manaur, a village that has tragically earned the moniker “the village of widows.”
More on News:
This haunting title stems from the devastating impact of silicosis which has claimed the lives of many men who once worked in the region’s now-defunct sandstone quarries.
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A Legacy of Loss:
- Panna is widely known for its diamond mines, but it was the sandstone quarries that provided a livelihood for many local residents.
- These quarries, though now closed, have left a lasting and painful legacy.
- The men who worked in these mines were exposed to harmful silica dust, resulting in widespread silicosis cases.
- This incurable disease has devastated the male population, leaving a community where more than half of the women are now widows.
Key Highlights:
- Widow’s Pensions: Approximately 58 women in Manaur receive widow’s pensions due to the early deaths of their husbands, primarily linked to health issues from mining work.
- In nearby areas, 46 women in Jaruapar and 30 in Darera also receive pensions, totalling 134 widows across the region.
- Demographics of Loss: Very few men over 50 are alive in the village. Estimates suggest only 5-6 men over 50 and hardly any over 70 remain.
- Health Crisis: Many residents, particularly men, suffer from tuberculosis (TB), with claims that about 60% of the village is affected.
- Occupational Hazards: The mines, vital to local livelihoods, were closed in 1998 due to the establishment of the Panna Tiger Reserve. Many men worked in these mines for years before their closure.
Call for Action:
- There is a need for better health diagnostics to distinguish between TB and silicosis.
- Regular testing could reveal the true extent of silicosis in the village, as many individuals initially treated for TB may be suffering from this occupational disease.
- This ongoing health crisis underscores the urgent need for support and awareness in communities affected by occupational hazards, especially in regions with a history of mining.
About Silicosis:
- Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust found in materials like stone, sand, and clay.
- It typically develops after 10-20 years of exposure, leading to lung inflammation and scarring, which impairs function.
- Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, worsening over time and potentially resulting in respiratory failure.
- Symptoms closely resemble those of TB, leading to frequent misdiagnoses.
- Complications can include tuberculosis, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer.
- Diagnosis involves a medical history review, lung function tests, and imaging.
- Treatment: No cure; treatment focuses on symptom relief and quality of life.
- Risk of complications can be reduced by:
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- Avoiding further silica exposure
- Quitting smoking
- Regular TB screenings, if advised
- Receiving flu and pneumococcal vaccines
- Long-term home oxygen therapy for breathing difficulties.
- Bronchodilator medications to ease breathing.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- A lung transplant as an option in severe cases, subject to strict health criteria.
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- Prevention requires adherence to safety regulations in workplaces, including proper training and protective equipment.