Hyderabad's Battery workers face unexpected dental erosion challenge

Banjara Hills: Employees working in a battery firm in Banjara Hills of Hyderabad are dealing with a unique problem, their teeth are being eroded. According to a study published in 2024 on the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine this year, it revealed an increased prevalence of dental erosion among battery factory workers, working in HBL Power systems in Hyderabad. The study describes the dental erosion as 'wearing away of the tooth surface caused by exposure to acids not derived from oral bacteria'.

Going into the details, the research was done on 90 workers who were working in the firm for over an year and were exposed to the acidic environment. Accordingly, the study shows that at least a 43 percent of workers were experiencing dental erosion, of which 54 percent females and 38 percent were males. Further, as the number of years of experience increases, the more the employees were affected. The study said that persons with more than 10 years of working experienced showed 65 percent prevalence rate, where people with less than ten years of experience has only 31 percent of dental erosion.

Why batter workers are being effected?

Battery workers being affected dental erosion is not a new revelation, because, studies done in Western countries reveal the prevalance of dental erosion over there. But, there are limited studies in India.

Reasoning the prevalance of dental erosion, the study said that "Battery manufacturing industry is one such industry responsible for dental erosion among battery workers because of exposure to sulfuric acid fumes created by the harmful processes in forming and charging. Unprotected acid handling, limited safety measures, and prolonged working hours in the workplace increase the severity of erosion and further deteriorate their oral health."

Further, the study also added that dental erosion is a condition due to the "exposure of the enamel and dentin to non-bacterial acids of extrinsic and intrinsic origin, causing mineral loss on the surface of the tooth. Occupational exposure to sulfuric acid fumes has been described in association with dental erosion in battery manufacturing industry workers. Hence, this study aimed to assess the dental erosion among battery factory workers in HBL Power Systems Ltd, Hyderabad."

What can be done?

Meanwhile, following the results, the study emphasised that employees should go through regular dental check-ups, and should be educated about the occupational hazards, and "preventive measures with efficient surveillance and monitoring to decrease occupational dental erosion."