Table of Contents
Occupational Health Hazards in Sericulture: Lessons from Varanasi’s Silk Workers
Last Updated: September 27, 2025
Estimated Reading Time: ~8 minutes
Quick Key Takeaways
- Sericulture employs millions in India but exposes workers to respiratory and skin hazards.
- Sericin vapours during cocoon boiling trigger asthma, allergies, and eye irritation.
- Women and children form the most vulnerable labour force in reeling units.
- High IgE levels and eosinophilia confirm occupational hypersensitivity.
- Better workplace hygiene, awareness, and protective measures can reduce risks.
Introduction
Did you know that the silk sarees of Varanasi come at the cost of workers’ health?
Sericulture is a cornerstone of India’s rural economy, yet thousands of workers in reeling units are exposed daily to hazardous conditions. In Varanasi, a major silk hub, workers often suffer from respiratory disorders, skin irritation, and asthma due to exposure to sericin vapours and unhygienic workspaces (p. 14).
This blog unpacks the findings of Anurag Jain’s doctoral thesis (2008, University of Lucknow) on the problems and prospects of sericulture in Uttar Pradesh. Students will gain exam-ready notes, real-life data, and preventive insights on occupational health hazards in sericulture.
Silk Industry in India and Uttar Pradesh
India is the second largest producer of silk globally, with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh dominating production. Uttar Pradesh, however, is a major consumer with cities like Varanasi depending heavily on silk imports due to limited local production (p. 12).
The industry sustains millions, but its dependence on labour-intensive reeling has led to serious occupational challenges, particularly in Varanasi’s small reeling units.
Major Health Hazards in Silk Reeling Units
Respiratory Disorders
Workers inhale vapours containing sericin released during cocoon boiling, leading to asthma and bronchitis.
“During cooking and reeling of cocoons, reelers breathe the vapours containing Sericin resulting in respiratory disorders” (p. 15).
Interpretation: Sericin is a silk protein, and when inhaled, it triggers allergic reactions similar to occupational asthma. Students should note this as a classic case of bioaerosol-induced respiratory disease.
Exam Tip: Remember that sericin exposure = occupational asthma in silk reeling workers.
Immunological Effects
A clinical study on 106 workers found elevated IgE levels and eosinophilia.
“Majority of the respondents showed an elevated level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE)… responsible for allergic reactions” (p. 88).
Interpretation: Raised IgE indicates a hypersensitivity pathway, making workers prone to asthma and skin allergies. This aligns with findings in global occupational health studies.
Skin Irritation & Eye Problems
Constant contact with hot water and cocoons causes dermatitis, fungal infections, and eye irritation. Children, often employed in cleaning activities, are most vulnerable (p. 89).
Student Note: For short-answer questions, list skin irritation, cough, chest pain, and eye strain as common silk reeling hazards.
Child Labour in Sericulture
Shockingly, 17% of the workforce surveyed were children below 14 years (p. 88). They were mainly employed in cooking and cleaning tasks, exposing them to burns, smoke, and infections.
This remains a social and ethical concern, often raised in civil services and competitive exams.
Socio-Economic Profile of Workers
- Education: 42.8% were illiterate, and only 0.6% had college education (p. 34).
- Addictions: Tobacco chewing (31.2%), alcohol (12.6%), and smoking (8.8%) were common among workers (p. 37).
- Work Hours: 66% worked 8 hours/day, often without breaks (p. 41).
- Experience: Most had less than 5 years of experience, reflecting high turnover (p. 42).
Interpretation: Lack of education and addiction compounds the health issues, trapping workers in a cycle of poverty and poor health.
Preventive Measures Suggested
The thesis emphasizes:
- Reducing exposure to sericin vapours through ventilation (p. 89).
- Worker education on hygiene and protective measures.
- Protective gear like gloves, masks, and footwear.
- Tobacco and alcohol de-addiction programs to improve immunity.
Lab Note for Students: In zoology or environmental health practicals, students may be asked to design a “Preventive Health Model” for silk reeling workers. Use this case study as a reference.
Visual & Infographic Ideas
- Diagram: Silk reeling unit showing sericin vapour exposure, worker positions, and main hazards.
- Flowchart: Worker → Exposure → Biological effect (IgE ↑, asthma, skin irritation).
Key Takeaways
- Sericulture is vital for India’s economy but poses serious occupational risks.
- Workers in Varanasi reeling units face respiratory, skin, and eye problems.
- Women and children form a vulnerable labour group.
- Preventive measures can drastically reduce risks.
- Elevated IgE levels confirm allergic asthma as a major occupational disease in this sector.
MCQs
Q1. What protein in silk cocoons is responsible for allergic reactions in reeling workers?
- a) Fibroin
- b) Sericin ✅
- c) Keratin
- d) Collagen
Q2. In the Varanasi study, what % of workers were children?
- a) 5%
- b) 10%
- c) 17% ✅
- d) 25%
Q3. Which immunological marker was elevated in silk workers?
- a) IgG
- b) IgA
- c) IgE ✅
- d) IgM
FAQs
Q1. Why do sericulture workers develop asthma?
Due to inhalation of sericin vapours during cocoon boiling, which trigger hypersensitivity reactions.
Q2. Which group is most affected in silk reeling units?
Women and children, as they form 75% of the workforce and are often in direct contact with cocoons.
Q3. Can protective measures prevent occupational asthma?
Yes, proper ventilation, masks, and hygienic practices can reduce exposure.
Q4. Why is child labour common in sericulture?
Because children are employed in unskilled tasks like cleaning and sorting, which sadly expose them to maximum health risks.
Conclusion
The occupational health hazards in sericulture highlight the urgent need for reforms in workplace safety. Protecting workers—especially women and children—can sustain this ancient industry while safeguarding human health. Students of zoology and environmental science can use this case as a benchmark for understanding the link between industrial practices and public health.
Use full Links
Author Bio
Researcher: Anurag Jain, Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Lucknow (2008).
Guide: Prof. (Smt.) Vinod Gupta, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow.
Reviewed by: Professor of Zoology editorial team.
Source & Citations
Thesis Title: Problems and Prospects of Sericulture in U.P.
Researcher: Anurag Jain
Guide (Supervisor): Prof. (Smt.) Vinod Gupta
University: University of Lucknow, Lucknow (India)
Year of Compilation: 2008
Excerpt Page Numbers: 12, 14–16, 34, 37, 41–42, 88–89
Disclaimer: Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.
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