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Background Construction workers have health hazards inherent to the nature of work and at further risk for poverty due to poor living conditions. We investigated perceived illness among workers and family members in the past year and the economic consequences of morbidities in terms of Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE). Methods In this cross-sectional multicenter study, we recruited construction workers of both sexes from construction sites of two Indian cities. We collected details on illnesses requiring a healthcare visit in the past year, expenditure and related details. Results Of 1263 participants recruited, data on illness during the past year were reported by 1110 participants; 37% (n = 302) reported illness among themselves or family members requiring a healthcare visit. We constructed a regression model to ascertain demographic and living condition determinants of illness (R^2 = 54%, p

Background: The polyurethane foam (PUF) mattress-making workers are exposed to isocyanates which are known respiratory toxicants and cause effect on pulmonary volumes and flows. Thus, the study was with a rationale to measure the changes in pulmonary flow and volumes due to isocyanates among PUF mattress-making workers. Materials and Methods: The study included 183 male workers from seven PUF making units of western and northern India. Using the interview technique as a tool for data collection, demographic and occupational details of the subjects were recorded on the predesigned and pretested pro forma. The mean of spirometric parameters was compared using one-way ANOVA and t-test. The relation between spirometric parameters and anthropometric parameters was analyzed using the correlation coefficient. Results: The spirometry showed that out of 183 participants, 165 (90.2%) subjects had normal spirometry, 13 (7.1%) had restrictive impairment, and 4 (2.2%) had obstructive impairment. All the mean spirometric values showed a declining trend with increasing age, while only forced expiratory volume in first second and forced vital capacity25%–75% showed a declining trend with increasing duration of employment. The spirometric measurements had a negative correlation with age and positive correlation with height. Conclusion: The spirometric values representing the airway flow were affected. The associated factors include age and duration of exposure.