Occupational Health Practice Questions

Q: What type of cancer is associated with exposure to hardwood dust?

Nasal adenocarcinoma. ***Nasal adenocarcinoma*** - Exposure to **hardwood dust**, particularly in professions like carpentry or furniture making, is a well-established occupational risk factor for **nasal adenocarcinoma**. - The fine dust particles become trapped in the **nasal passages**, leading to chronic irritation and cellular changes that can progress to malignancy. *Skin cancer* - While various environmental factors, including **UV radiation**, are major causes of skin cancer, hardwood dust exposure is not a primary risk factor for its development. - Skin cancers are generally more associated with direct exposure to carcinogens or radiation on the skin surface. *Liver cancer* - Liver cancer is primarily associated with risk factors such as **chronic viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV)**, alcohol abuse, **non-alcoholic fatty liver disease**, and exposure to certain toxins like aflatoxins. - There is no significant epidemiological link between hardwood dust exposure and liver cancer. *Bladder cancer* - The main risk factors for bladder cancer include **smoking**, occupational exposure to certain aromatic amines (e.g., in dyes and rubber industries), and chronic bladder irritation. - Hardwood dust exposure is not recognized as a direct cause of bladder cancer.

Q: A construction worker came to the OPD complaining of white fingers. He has been working in the cement and concrete industry and has been working on heavy machinery drills, wood, and furniture polishing for 20 years. What is the most likely etiology for this condition?

Continuous exposure to drills and machines. ***Continuous exposure to drills and machines*** - The use of **heavy machinery drills** subjects the hands to **vibration**, which is a well-known cause of **Raynaud's phenomenon**, presenting as "white fingers" due to **vasospasm**. - This condition, often referred to as **vibration white finger**, is a common occupational hazard for workers using vibratory tools over long periods. *Candidal infection of the fingers due to continuous exposure to water* - While prolonged exposure to moisture can cause **Candidal infections** (e.g., paronychia), this typically presents as **redness, swelling, and pain** around the nails or skin, not the characteristic "white fingers" of Raynaud's. - White fingers due to candidiasis are not a primary manifestation and lack the **vasospastic component** seen with vibration exposure. *Exposure to thinners and paints* - Exposure to chemicals like **thinners and paints** can cause **irritant or allergic contact dermatitis**, leading to redness, itching, and skin lesions. - However, direct exposure to these substances is not typically associated with the sudden, episodic **blanching of fingers** characteristic of Raynaud's phenomenon. *Continuous exposure to cement and concrete* - **Cement and concrete** exposure often leads to **irritant or allergic contact dermatitis** due to the alkaline nature of cement, causing dryness, cracking, and eczema. - This type of exposure does not directly cause the **vasospastic episodes** that result in "white fingers."

Q: Which of the following is not considered personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Radiation detection badges. ***Radiation detection badges*** - **Radiation detection badges** are used to monitor individual exposure to radiation but do not provide physical protection against hazards. - They serve as a **dosimeter** for measuring accumulated radiation dose, rather than a barrier. *Goggles* - **Goggles** are a form of eye protection designed to shield against splashes, mists, vapors, and projectiles. - They are essential PPE in environments where eye hazards are present, such as in laboratories or during certain medical procedures. *Gloves* - **Gloves** are used to protect hands from chemical, biological, and physical hazards by creating a barrier. - They are a fundamental type of PPE for preventing contamination and ensuring hygiene in healthcare and laboratory settings. *Lab coat* - A **lab coat** protects the wearer's personal clothing and skin from splashes, spills, and chemical contact. - It also helps to prevent the spread of contamination from the wearer to the environment or vice versa, acting as a protective barrier.

Q: Extended sickness benefit for tuberculosis under the ESI Act is:

2 years. ***2 years*** - Under the **ESI Act 1948**, individuals suffering from **tuberculosis** are eligible for an **extended sickness benefit** period of up to **2 years (730 days)**. - This extended period recognizes the prolonged nature of tuberculosis treatment and recovery, providing financial support beyond the standard sickness benefit. - Other conditions eligible for extended sickness benefit include **leprosy, mental illness, and malignant diseases**. *91 days* - This refers to the **standard sickness benefit** period under the ESI Act, which applies to general illnesses. - **Tuberculosis** is a chronic disease requiring longer treatment duration, thus qualifying for extended benefits, not the standard 91-day period. *1 year* - While longer than the standard sickness benefit, **1 year** is not the specified duration for **extended sickness benefit** for tuberculosis under the ESI Act. - The ESI Act provides a more prolonged period of **2 years** for specific chronic diseases like tuberculosis. *4 years* - **4 years** is an incorrect duration for the **extended sickness benefit** for **tuberculosis** under the ESI Act. - The maximum extended sickness benefit period specified for tuberculosis is **2 years**, not 4 years.

Q: Maximum work hours for a person including overtime under the Factories Act:

60 hours. ***60 hours*** - Under the **Factories Act**, the total number of hours worked by an adult in any week, including **overtime**, shall not exceed **sixty hours**. - This limit is crucial for ensuring workers' health and safety, preventing **over-fatigue**, and promoting a reasonable work-life balance. *48 hours* - The **Factories Act** stipulates that no adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than **forty-eight hours in any week**. - However, this limit refers to the standard work week and **does not include overtime**, which is allowed within an additional limit. *50 hours* - This option is incorrect as it does not align with the maximum weekly work hours, including overtime, stipulated by the **Factories Act**. - There is no specific provision in the **Factories Act** that sets a combined standard and overtime work limit at exactly 50 hours per week. *100 hours* - This option is significantly higher than the maximum work hours allowed by the **Factories Act**, including overtime. - Working 100 hours per week would be a serious violation of labor laws, as it would expose workers to **severe health risks** and **occupational hazards**.

Q: The strongest occupational risk factor for hematological carcinoma is

Benzene. ***Benzene*** - Benzene exposure is recognized as a potent **carcinogen** linked to various hematological malignancies, including **leukemia** [1]. - It affects the **bone marrow**, leading to dysplastic changes and ultimately malignancy. *Nicotine* - Although nicotine is associated with **smoking-related cancers**, it is not directly linked to **hematological carcinomas**. - Its primary role is in causing **lung cancer**, rather than blood cancers. *Lithium* - Lithium is primarily used for **bipolar disorder** and does not have a known link to causing hematological malignancies. - Side effects are more related to **nephrotoxicity** rather than carcinogenic effects. *Alcohol* - Alcohol consumption is primarily associated with **liver cancers** and not specifically linked to hematological carcinomas [2]. - It can contribute to general malignancy development but is not a direct cause of blood cancers. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, p. 286. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 217-218.

Q: Caisson's disease is primarily associated with which of the following?

Underwater construction workers. ***Underwater construction workers*** - Caisson's disease, also known as **decompression sickness (DCS)**, is historically linked to workers in **caissons**, which are watertight structures used for underwater construction. - These workers experience changes in pressure that can lead to nitrogen bubbles forming in their tissues upon surfacing, causing the characteristic symptoms of DCS. *Rapid ascent in aircraft* - While rapid ascent in aircraft can cause **decompression sickness**, especially in unpressurized cabins, it is not the primary association for the historical term "Caisson's disease." - The term "Caisson's disease" specifically refers to the condition in workers exposed to **high atmospheric pressure** during underwater construction. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **underwater construction workers** are directly associated with Caisson's disease. - The question has a correct and specific answer. *Rapid ascent of deep sea divers* - **Deep-sea divers** are susceptible to decompression sickness due to rapid ascent, which is physiologically similar to Caisson's disease. - However, the specific term "Caisson's disease" most directly refers to the historical experience of **underwater construction workers** in caissons.

Q: In the ESI programme, employers and employees in the organized sector contribute to the fund. What is the employer's contribution?

4.75%. ***4.75%*** - The **Employees' State Insurance (ESI) program** is an integrated social security scheme designed to protect workers in the organized sector. - As of 2019, the employer's contribution rate to the ESI fund is set at **4.75%** of the employee's gross wages, while the employee contributes 0.75%. *3.25%* - This percentage is **not the current employer contribution rate** for the ESI scheme; it is higher than the employee's contribution but less than the actual employer's share. - Prior to 2019, the employer's contribution was 4.75% and the employee's contribution was 1.75%, which sums up to 6.5%. The figures were revised on 13.06.2019 reducing the overall contribution from 6.5% to 4%. *2.75%* - This is not the current contribution rate for either the employer or the employee under the ESI program; it falls outside the established percentages. - The ESI scheme ensures compliance through fixed statutory contributions from both parties, which are not represented by this figure. *1.75%* - This was the **employee's contribution rate** to the ESI fund prior to the 2019 revision, not the employer's. - The current employee contribution rate is significantly lower at 0.75%.

Q: Which occupational exposure may cause sterility in females ?

Agricultural insecticides. ***Agricultural insecticides*** - Exposure to **organochlorine** and **organophosphate** insecticides can have significant **reproductive toxicity** in females, leading to **infertility** or **sterility**. - These chemicals can disrupt **hormonal balance**, interfere with **ovarian function**, cause **menstrual irregularities**, and lead to **developmental toxicity** in offspring. - Well-documented occupational hazard in agricultural workers with chronic exposure. *Lead* - Lead is a well-established **reproductive toxicant** affecting **both males and females**. - In females, lead causes **menstrual irregularities**, **ovarian dysfunction**, **reduced fertility**, **spontaneous abortions**, and can contribute to sterility. - It disrupts the **hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis** and has direct **gonadotoxic effects**. - While agricultural insecticides are more specifically associated with female sterility in occupational contexts, lead is also a significant reproductive hazard. *Carbon monoxide* - Carbon monoxide poisoning primarily causes **hypoxia** by binding to hemoglobin, forming **carboxyhemoglobin**. - It does not directly cause **sterility** in females; its main reproductive concern relates to **fetal hypoxia** and adverse pregnancy outcomes during exposure. *Mercury* - Mercury exposure, particularly **methylmercury**, is a known **neurotoxin** and can cause **developmental abnormalities**. - While it can affect pregnancy outcomes and cause **menstrual disorders** at high exposures, it is not typically cited as a primary occupational cause of **female sterility** compared to agricultural insecticides.

Question 1

What type of cancer is associated with exposure to hardwood dust?

Accepted Answer

Nasal adenocarcinoma

Answer

Skin cancer

Answer

Liver cancer

Answer

Bladder cancer

Question 2

A construction worker came to the OPD complaining of white fingers. He has been working in the cement and concrete industry and has been working on heavy machinery drills, wood, and furniture polishing for 20 years. What is the most likely etiology for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Continuous exposure to drills and machines

Answer

Candidal infection of the fingers due to continuous exposure to water

Answer

Exposure to thinners and paints

Answer

Continuous exposure to cement and concrete

Question 3

Which of the following is not considered personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Radiation detection badges

Answer

Goggles

Answer

Gloves

Answer

Lab coat

Question 4

Extended sickness benefit for tuberculosis under the ESI Act is:

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

91 days

Answer

4 years

Answer

1 year

Question 5

Maximum work hours for a person including overtime under the Factories Act:

Accepted Answer

60 hours

Answer

48 hours

Answer

50 hours

Answer

100 hours

Question 6

Which of the following statements regarding the Factory Act is correct?

Accepted Answer

Children under 14 years are not allowed to work in factories

Answer

Workers can work more than 72 hours per week in factories

Answer

The Factory Act allows workers to work more than 82 hours per week

Answer

Children under 14 years can work in factories if they earn more money

Question 7

The strongest occupational risk factor for hematological carcinoma is

Accepted Answer

Benzene

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Radiation exposure

Answer

Cigarette smoke

Question 8

Caisson's disease is primarily associated with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Underwater construction workers

Answer

None of the options

Answer

Rapid ascent in aircraft

Answer

Rapid ascent of deep sea divers

Question 9

In the ESI programme, employers and employees in the organized sector contribute to the fund. What is the employer's contribution?

Accepted Answer

4.75%

Answer

1.75%

Answer

3.25%

Answer

2.75%

Question 10

Which occupational exposure may cause sterility in females ?

Accepted Answer

Agricultural insecticides

Answer

Lead

Answer

Carbon monoxide

Answer

Mercury

Occupational Health — MCQs

Occupational Health — MCQs

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