Abstract
Exposure to dusts and hard physical work is common in developing industrialized countries. Acute and chronic respiratory illnesses are highly been reported from jute and textile industry. This study was undertaken to explore status of respiratory health among the workers of jute and textile industries. This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 315 workers from each of textile and jute industry of Eastern Nepal. Almost all the workers were selected from the textile industry whereas those from dust prone areas of jute industry. Workers were interviewed using pre-tested questionnaires. Measurement of height, weight and peak expiratory flow rate was done. Majority were non-smokers in both the industries 230 (73%) in Jute vs. 223 (70.8%) in Textile. Most of the workers had the working experience of less than five years; jute 134 (42.5%) vs. textile 180 (57.1%). Upper respiratory disorder was found in more than 1/5 of workers (68) in jute vs. 1/20 of workers (18) in textile industry. One and two workers suffered from chronic bronchitis in the jute and the textile industry respectively. Chest tightness was reported among 4 (1.3%) in jute vs. 17 (5.4%) in textile workers, cough symptoms among 86 (27.3%) in jute vs. 26 (8.3%) in textile industry. Low practice of personal protective measure was seen in both industries. The mean score of PEFR of workers in jute mill was lower than the workers in textile industry. Workers with acute respiratory disorders were more in the jute industry while chest tightness was more in the textile industry. Chronic respiratory problems did not appear to be alarming in both the industries. Use of personal protective measures should be promoted among the dust exposed workers.
Highlights
Exposure to dusts and hard physical work is common in developing industrialized countries
Less than 80% predicted Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was seen among 8.3% workers in jute industry and 7.3% workers in textile industry
Similar findings were revealed by other studies, where PEFR was lower in high dust exposure group in comparison to low dust exposure group.[16,17]
Summary
Exposure to dusts and hard physical work is common in developing industrialized countries. This study was undertaken to explore status of respiratory health among the workers of jute and textile industries. Exposure to high levels of dusts among industrial workers is common in developing and newly industrialized countries.[1] Pulmonary response to hazardous airborne particles at workplaces produces airway disorders.[2] Occupational exposures to airborne particulates is estimated to cause 12% of deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational health is of major concern in the South-East Asia Region.[3,4]. Expectoration, breathlessness, headache and nasal blockage were found to be the main complaints among workers in jute mill and was suspected in workers with more than six years employment in textile industry.[5,6] Studies have revealed Peak Expiratory Rate (PEFR) significantly lower in high dust exposure group in comparison to less exposure group.[7, 8] Current occupational safety, health and working conditions in Nepal are indicative of potential risks of health hazards at workplaces in the industrial establishments.[9]
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