Pattern and predictors for respiratory illnesses and symptoms and lung function among textile workers in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

This study highlights the burden of respiratory illnesses and symptoms, and a low prevalence of asthma among textile workers in Karachi. Work in the spinning section, lack of education, prolonged duration of work and Sindhi ethnicity, were identified as important risk factors.

Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function among Greek Cotton Industry Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…12,13 The exposed workers had more respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, phlegm, chest tightness, and dyspnea. The prevalence of symptoms in the current study was comparable to the findings of Nafees, et al, 10 who found that 7.5% and 12.9% of cotton workers had chronic cough and chronic phlegm, respectively. Nevertheless, they found a significantly higher prevalence of wheeze and shortness of breath (22.3%) compared to ours.…”

Diminished pulmonary function in long-term workers exposed to cotton dust determined in a cross-sectional study in small Pakistani enterprises

“…Previous studies30 31 in the cotton mills in Pakistan reported respiratory symptoms from the large weaving and spinning factories. For the first time, we performed PF tests on workers in small-scale household weaving factories compared to a sample of workers from large weaving units.…”

Evaluation of Pulmonary Function in a Composite Textile Processing Unit in Punjab (Pakistan).

“…Some of the subjects reported about asthma (5%) during their childhood and we could not find a subject of asthma in the workplace (cf. Tanzil and Nafees (2015) Nafees et al (2013)). …”

“…In above mentioned context some studies were carried out in Karachi, Pakistan to discuss burden of respiratory problems among textile worker but more detailed studies are required in Punjab, Pakistan such as Nafees et al (2013;Tanzil and Nafees (2015)). So the aim of this cross sectional study was to describe chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment, and their relations with socio-demographic factors, exposure to cotton dust and in a composite textile processing unit in the Punjab.…”

“…Cotton dust is generated in variable concentrations throughout the various processes being undertaken in the textile industry and worker are exposed to airborne dust generating from natural and synthetic fibrous materials (cf. Nafees et al (2013;The Economic Survey (2012-13)). Several studies have found an association between occupational exposure to dust, gases and fumes and respiratory health and the same studies have proved a prevalence of respiratory symptoms of 16%-46% (cf.…”