Study of Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Function in Cotton Textile Workers

Objective: Workers in the cotton textile factories who are exposed to cotton dust are at risk for occupational pulmonary diseases. We conducted a study in order to evaluate chronic effects of exposure to cotton dust on respiratory health and pulmonary function. Method: In this study we enrolled 140 cotton textile workers and 150 office workers as control group. Information was collected using standardized questionnaires, physical examination and spirometric measurements. Statistical methods used in our study included the Chi square test for categorical variables and independent sample T- test for continuous variables. Also logistic regression test were used for possible confounders. Results: Cotton textile workers had more respiratory symptoms as compared with control groups. Greater declines were seen in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC in cotton textile workers. This reduction was significant in FEV1/FVC which is indicator of obstructive pattern in the exposed group.(P-Value: 0.04) Conclusion: According to our study, cotton textile workers are at risk for developing respiratory symptoms and loss of pulmonary function .Physical examination and spirometry can detect adverse respiratory effects in the early stages.