Evaluation of fungal and bacterial aerosols in cotton dust in a Spin Factory in El-Minia City and its relation to pulmonary function changes among workers

Background : High concentration of airborne viable particles (bacteria and fungi) are being aerosolized in industrial environments. Inhalation of cotton dust, flax or hemp dust, by textile workers has been known to cause acute reversible bronchoconstriction, which on repeated exposure leads to chronic pulmonary disease called byssinosis. The present study was done in order to determine the concentration of bacteria and fungi in cotton dust and to assess their effect on the severity of pulmonary symptoms and functions. Methods: the present study was carried out on 208 workers. All participants were subjected to full history taking and clinical examination. Pulmonary function tests and sputum culture were done for symptomatic cases. Measurements of concentration of bacteria and fungi were carried out in the main working areas. Results: Mean concentration of total collected fungi was 1215 cfu/m 3 while Gram –negative bacteria was found in low concentration (17.5 cfu/m 3 ). Increased incidence of chest tightness, dyspnea and significant decline in FEV1 % and PEF % were found among exposed workers. Conclusion: Increased incidence of chronic respiratory illness and significant impairment of lung functions were observed among highly exposed workers and smoking appears to be another risk factor.