Evaluation of Lung Function by Spirometry in Textile Mill Workers

Abstract

Background: In present scenario industrialization is growing at a faster rate throughout the world in developed as well as developing countries. Occupational lung disease is becoming one of the major problem in occupational health. Many environmental problems are associated with textile industry such as water pollution, noise pollution, soil pollution and air pollution. Out of these different pollutions air pollution resulting from cotton dust is the most important factor affecting health of the workers. Various studies in India and outside have been carried out in cotton mill workers with different results. So present study was planned to evaluate the lung function of cotton mill workers by spirometry in this part of country.

Material & methods: The study was carried out in 55 participants who were exposed to cotton dust directly. 55 controls were also selected from the workers of same mill but not exposed directly to cotton dust. Spirometry findings were compared between two groups.

Results: The values of most of the PFT parameters were significantly reduced in subject group compared to control group (p<0.05). However there was no any significant difference in the values of FEV1/FVC ratio between the groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: From our study we conclude that workers in the cotton mills are exposed to cotton dust and various types of other air pollutants. And the chronic exposure results in decline in pulmonary function