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V R Muraleedharan

Publications and source records attributed to V R Muraleedharan.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Quinine (Cinchona) and the incurable malaria: India c. 1900-1930s.

The early decades of this century witnessed significant developments in the approaches to control of malaria in British India. These included both large-scale preventive measures and curative treatment methods (often referred to as "cinchona" or "quinine" policy). This paper identifies a number of factors that constrained the colonial government's capacity to control malaria through effective cinchona policy. The ideal of achieving "self-sufficiency" and having an efficient form of treatment and distribution within the reach of the masses in India (as originally intended in late 1850s) was far from being achieved. Both government's policy and medical profession seemed to have contributed equally to this failure.

Antimalarials↗

Use of pesticides and its impact on health of farmers in South India.

The relationship between extent of pesticide use and signs and symptoms of illnesses due to exposure was assessed in a cross-sectional survey of 631 farmers (537 men and 94 women) in South India. Responses to questionnaires showed that 433 farmers (68.6%) sprayed pesticides themselves and were thus directly exposed. More than 75% used moderately or highly hazardous pesticides; 88% used no protection while handling pesticides. About 50% of sprayers mixed different brands. Retailers were the source of information about pesticides for 56%. The farmers reported excessive sweating (36.5%), burning/stinging/itching of eyes (35.7%), dry/sore throat (25.5%), and excessive salivation (14.1%), all more prevalent among sprayers. Among men, excessive sweating and eye and throat problems were significantly associated with exposure. There is a need to raise farmers' and authorities' awareness of the need to use protective gear when handling pesticides.

Adult↗