Effect of duration of exposure to cotton dust and respiratory function tests in textile mill workers

Dr Anjali Date; Dr Pradeep S Baji

Volume : VI, Issue : I, January - 2017

Effect of duration of exposure to cotton dust and respiratory function tests in textile mill workers

Dr Anjali Date, Dr Pradeep S Baji

Abstract :

Background : Long term occupational exposure to cotton dust is associated with respiratory symptoms and loss of pulmonary function. This study was conducted to explore respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests in textile mill workers and its correlation with pulmonary function tests (PFT).Methodology: 395 males of Jamshri Textile mill, Solapur. 253 male workers served as cases and 142 two males served as controls. Controls were totally healthy, age matched and selected from the clerical department of the mill and were not exposed to cotton dust. Subjects were in the age groups ranged from 20-59yrs. After screening all were subjected to Respiratory function test (RFT). The results were analysed using students unpaired T-test Results: Workers exposed for 1-10 yrs. exhibited significant decrease in FVC, FEVI, PEFR, FEF0.2-1.2 and MVV. The above parameters were significantly decreased in the workers exposed for 11-20 yr along significant decrease in FEF 25-75%. PFER, FEF 25-75%, FEF 0.2-1.2, FEF 25% and FEF 50% reduced significantly in workers exposed for 21-30 yr. There was a linear relationship between duration of exposure and decline in RFT. Conclusion : The present study on respiratory function in textile mill workers showed that exposure to cotton dust is definitely an occupational hazard.A regular periodic assessment of workers in the industry should be done for the detection of respiratory dysfunction.