Assessment of respiratory dust exposure and lung functions among workers in textile mill (Thamine), Myanmar: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Airborne dusts are being potentially harmful for workers in occupational environment. Exposure to respirable dust is the most important concern in textile workers for the widespread of occupational lung diseases, especially more serious in developing countries. The aim of the study was to assess the respirable dust exposure and associated factors of lung functions among textile workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at a textile mill (Thamine), Yangon Region, from April to December, 2018 and a total of 207 textile workers were randomly selected by using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire for respiratory symptoms, an air sampling pump for assessment of respirable dust exposure, and a spirometer for testing the lung functions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associated factors of lung functions. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were computed for strength of associations at the significance level of α ≤ 0.05. Results The mean (± standard deviation, SD) respirable dust exposure was 3.3 mg/m3 (± 0.69) and the prevalence of increased respirable dust exposure (> 3 mg/m3) was 50.7%. The level of respirable dust exposure was highest in the textile workers involving at twisting department. The means (± SD) spirometry values were FVC 82.8% (± 17.8), FEV1 83.6% (± 18.5), and FEV1/FVC 0.9 (± 0.1). Overall magnitude of reduced lung functions was 40.1%, and the prevalence of reduced FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were 36.7, 34.3 and 3.9% respectively. The current working at twisting department, > 5 years of service duration, respiratory symptoms and increased respirable dust exposure were associated with reduction in FVC and FEV1. Conclusions The current working department, service duration, respiratory symptoms and exposure to respirable dust were predictors of lung functions in textile workers. An adequate ventilation, good work practices, hygienic workplace, safety and health training regarding potential health effects, and periodically assessment of lung functions are the critical elements for control of respirable dust exposure and reduction of occupational lung diseases.

Workers’ Occupational Dust Exposure and Pulmonary Function Assessment: Cross-Sectional Study in China

“…We found similar results in other studies [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. However, the current results showed no significant relationship between the duration of exposure and the decline in lung function, which is inconsistent with previous studies [ 2 , 28 ]. A possible reason for this difference is that similar exposure times do not necessarily imply similar total doses of exposure.…”

“…The initial effects of dust on the lungs are characterized by reversible respiratory symptoms and worsened lung function [ 1 ]. Occupational dust exposure can induce pulmonary inflammatory cascades and structural damage, leading to decreased lung function and other dust-related lung diseases, including sinus disease, respiratory irritation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is globally recognized as a serious public health problem [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

The Relationship of Dust Exposure with Respiratory Disorders Symptoms Among Textile Industry Workers

“…The accumulation of dust has the potential to cause lung function and respiratory disorders, which are influenced by the type of particles, duration of exposure, particle content, and particle size (Soeript, 2008). Similar observations were reported in Oo'sresearch in 2017 in Thamie, Myanmar where the exposure to inhaled dust has a risk value of 4.12 times experiencing respiratory problems (Oo et al, 2021).…”

“…This study is consistent with Oo (2021) study in Thamie, Myanmar, where 105 workers (50.7%) frequently reported inhaling textile dust with a concentration greater than 3 mg/m 3 , with an average respirable dust concentration of 3.3 mg/m 3 and a range between 2.4 mg/m 3 and 4.1 mg/m 3 . P value 0.001 indicated significant results between occupational respiratory disease and exposure to respirable dust (Oo et al, 2021).…”

Effect of Cotton Dust Exposure on Respiratory Health Outcomes Among Textile Workers

“…Other studies reported exposure dependent relationship between cotton dust, lung function and reported that increased exposure of cotton dust was significantly associated with a reduction in FVC (OR=2) and FEV1 (OR=1.83). 25 Another important finding of this study is the association of decreased lung function (i.e., FVC, FEV1 for non-smokers, and FEV1/FVC ratio for smokers) with the duration of work. Long-term cotton dust exposure is associated with obstructive lung diseases 6 , while more experienced workers are at a greater risk for developing decrements in lung function 6,24 .…”