Trends of alterations in pulmonary function and symptoms in garment workers of Garden- Reach-Metiabruz area of Kolkata

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: In spite of being the 2nd highest contributor in foreign exchange earning of the country, the work environment of most of the units of textile industry including readymade garment manufacturing is unsafe and unhealthy for the workers resulting in several health problems. Information, though available for other parts of our country regarding impacts on respiratory health and pulmonary functional status, are completely inadequate for the workers of Garden Reach-Metiabruze area of Kolkata. The present study was undertaken to investigate the physical characteristics, pulmonary functional status and to identify the presence of any respiratory symptoms among the workers of the said area. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 male workers were selected as experimental subjects and divided into two age groups, namely, 18-35 years and 36-49 years and an age-matched control subjects were selected (n= 50) from the same area with no exposure of the work environment. The physical characteristics i.e., height, weight, body surface area (BSA) and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated for all the subjects. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed through spirometry for Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume 1 % (FEV1%), Slow Vital Capacity, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the respiratory symptoms. Results: All the PFT parameters were significantly decreased in the workers compared to control though there was no difference in physical characteristics in the subjects of both the age groups. Respiratory symptoms were also prevalent among the workers and even temporary work cessation led to improvement of the symptoms in most of the subjects. Conclusion: Together these results indicate that these workers are also having poor, altered and deranged pulmonary functional status having obstructive and mixed (obstructive plus restrictive) type that may develop several pathologic conditions, breathing difficulties and respiratory symptoms. Shifting of duties or decreased time of exposure to the work environment, use of personal protective equipment etc. might have some beneficial effects on the symptoms. Further studies and interventions are needed to combat the severe health consequences and improve workers’ health with maintenance of optimal productivity. Keywords: Garment manufacturing industry; pulmonary functional status; respiratory symptoms; cotton dust.