Occupational Exposure and Respiratory Illness Symptoms Among Textile Industry Workers in a Developing Country

Abstract

This study investigates the respiratory health profile of textile mill workers in Bangladesh, aiming to develop workers' awareness and public attention, and to ensure a proper implementation of health and safety measures. Forced vital capacity was measured by peak expiratory flow rate instrument among 210 subjects. The personal history, the occupational history, and the state of health were also determined using a questionnaire and checklists. The subjects who had a considerably low peak expiratory flow rate (< 290 liters/min), and had symptoms of chronic respiratory illness, underwent X-ray examination. A statistically significant low peak expiratory flow rate was identified among 52.9 percent of workers. Among them, 42.9 percent had symptoms of cough with or without phlegm; 5.7 percent had a history of chronic bronchitis and/or asthma, and 4.3 percent experienced chest tightness or breathlessness. This study showed a high degree (p < .001) of respiratory-related illness symptoms present among the workers in the blow/card rooms and the workers in the spinning section. Irrespective of variation of age as well as work pattern, non-smokers were less likely to be affected. Whether worker were occupationally exposed to other incidences was also investigated. The results of these investigations are presented and the findings discussed in light of other studies carried among similar occupational groups.

Reduced Cross-Shift Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms among Integrated Textile Factory Workers in Ethiopia

“…The overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in this study (54%) was comparable to previous research conducted in similar low-and middle-income settings such as in Ethiopia (48%) [30], Egypt (59%) [9], Nigeria (62%) [11], and Bangladesh (53%) [31]. However, the prevalence was higher than the study conducted in an Iranian textile factory (26%), where workers were relatively younger [16].…”

Assessment of respiratory status among workers exposed to cotton dust at Arba Minch Textile Factory, Southern Ethiopia, 2017

“…There were other similar findings which showed a high degree of respiratory-related illness symptoms present among the workers in the blow/card rooms and the workers in the spinning section (Raza et al, 1999) and having respiratory symptoms in the spinning department was higher than in the weaving department (Ahasan et al, 2000).…”

Morbidity Profile of Workers in Scissors Manufacturing Industries in a City in Northern India

“…), iron and cotton dust, and fumes of acids, kerosene oil, Mobil oil. 7 Although upper respiratory infections are common among all industries including textile, steel pipe production, construction workers, spinning mill, stone crushing, gems polishing etc but the morbidity of respiratory problems is not as high as among scissors manufacturing industry workers 8,9,10,11,12,13 except as reported by Qurratul et al Other health problems included musculoskeletal problems (25%), skin diseases (15%) and noise induced hearing loss (4%).Mismatch between man and machine is one of the major factors contributing to musculoskeletal problems leading to postural strains which was found consistent with other studies as well. 14,15,16 Heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, corroded iron particles have proven fatal to human life although some heavy metals such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron and manganese are required by the body in small amount, but have proven to be toxic in larger quantities by interfering with organ system functions.…”