Cotton Dust Exposure Research Articles

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYNTHETIC COTTON DUST EXPOSURE AND SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY DISORDERS IN TEXTILE FACTORY WORKERS AT PT X IN EAST JAVA

Introduction. Respiratory disorders, which range from 1 to 100 μm, are a significant concern in the textile industry. Typical symptoms of cotton dust exposure include chronic cough with or without phlegm, painful breathing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and chest pain. While most research has focused on natural cotton fibers, there is a growing need to investigate the health risks associated with synthetic cotton dust, such as that derived from petroleum-based resources such as polyester. Method. This research employed a cross-sectional design, with 76 respondents. Result & Analysis. The results showed that 21.1% of the workers experienced respiratory symptoms, and 43.4% of the workers were exposed to high levels of synthetic cotton dust. Chi-square test analysis indicated a significant relationship between synthetic cotton dust exposure and respiratory symptoms (p < 0.001; OR 15.1 [3.17 – 73.21]). Discussion. Workers with high synthetic cotton dust exposure had a 15.1 times greater risk of experiencing respiratory symptoms than those with low synthetic cotton dust exposure.

The health and economic burden of dust pollution in the textile industry of Faisalabad, Pakistan

BackgroundExposure to dust in textile mills adversely affects workers’ health. We collected epidemiological data on textile workers suffering from respiratory diseases and assessed work absence associated with illnesses in Faisalabad, Pakistan.MethodsWe recruited 206 workers using multistage sampling from 11 spinning mills in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The data were collected using 2-week health diaries and face-to-face interviews. The data pertains to socio-demographics, occupational exposures, the state of the workers’ health, and other attributes. A theoretical framework of the health production function was used to estimate the relationship between cotton dust exposure and respiratory illnesses. We also estimated functional limitations (e.g., work absence) associated with dust exposure. STATA 12 was used to calculate descriptive statistics, an ordered probit for byssinosis, a probit model for chronic cough, and three complementary log-log models for blood phlegm, bronchitis, and asthma to measure dose–response functions. A Tobit model was used to measure the sickness absence function.ResultsWe found that cotton dust exposure causes a significant health burden to workers, such as cough (35%), bronchitis (17%), and different grades of byssinosis symptoms (22%). The regression analysis showed that smoking cigarettes and working in dusty sections were the main determinants of respiratory diseases. Dusty work sections also cause illness-related work absences. However, the probability of work absence decreases with the increased use of face masks.ConclusionThe study’s findings imply the significance of promoting occupational safety and health culture through training and awareness among workers or implementing the use of safety gadgets. Promulgating appropriate dust standards in textile mills is also a need of the hour.

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among textile industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt.

Occupational exposure to cotton dust is still an important cause of respiratory problems in textile workers particularly in less developed countries like Egypt. Evaluate respiratory symptoms and diseases, and pulmonary function pattern among Egyptian textile workers. Cross sectional comparative study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2020 in a textile factory in Egypt; 364 male workers (184 cotton dust exposed workers, and 180 unexposed workers) were included. Participants were subjected to an interviewing questionnaire, British Medical Research Council questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, and byssinosis grading format. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted. Chronic cough, phlegm production, and shortness of breath grade I, II and III were more reported in cotton dust exposed workers than unexposed workers (P#x003C;0.01, P#x003C;0.01, and P=0.02, respectively). Prevalence of chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among cotton dust exposed workers (12%) than unexposed workers (3.9%) (P#x003C;0.01). The mean percent predicted values of lung function indices reflecting large-1irway function (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR, and FEF75) were significantly lower in cotton dust exposed workers (P#x003C;0.01). Prevalence of byssinosis was 22.8%. Workers with byssinosis had significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, cross-shift reduction in PEFR and significant decrease in mean percent predicted values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF75, and FEF50 than workers without byssinosis. This study revealed a substantial association between cotton dust exposure at work and respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Regular measurement of cross shift change in PEFR is recommended among exposed workers for early diagnosis of byssinosis.

Effect Of Cotton Dust Exposure On Respiratory Health Outcomes Among Textile Workers.

Cotton dust is generated during various textile manufacturing processes. Only a few studies from Pakistan assessed cotton dust exposure and explored the relationship of duration of work in the textile industry with respiratory health outcomes. We aimed to assess cotton dust exposure and its association with lung function and respiratory symptoms among textile workers in Pakistan. We report findings from the baseline survey of the larger study, MultiTex, among 498 adult male textile workers from six mills conducted between October 2015-March 2016 in Karachi, Pakistan. Data collection included the use of standardized questionnaires; spirometry, and area dust measurements through UCB-PATS. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were developed to assess the association of risk factors with respiratory symptoms and illnesses. We found the mean age of workers to be 32.5 (±10) years; around 25% were illiterate. The prevalence of COPD, asthma, and byssinosis was 10%, 17%, and 2%, respectively. The median cotton dust exposure was 0.33 mg/m3 (IQR: 0.12-0.76). Increased duration of work among non-smokers was associated with a decline in lung function, FVC (-245 ml; 95% CI: -385.71, -104.89) and FEV1 (-200 ml; 95% CI: -328.71, -841.1). Workers with certain job titles (machine operators, helpers, and jobbers), those with greater duration of work, and higher dust exposure, were more likely to report respiratory symptoms and illnesses. We report a high prevalence of asthma and COPD and a low prevalence of byssinosis. Cotton dust exposure and duration of employment were associated with respiratory health outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for preventive interventions in the textile industry in Pakistan.

Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Related to Chronic Cotton Dust Exposure and Hepatitis-C Infection

A case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis developing in a patient with chronic dust exposure and hepatitis-C infection is reported. He was managed with modified bronchoalveolar lavage and granulocyte-monophase-colony stimulating factor.

Effect of cotton dust on lungs among female workers in cotton industry in northern Gujarat, India.

Byssinosis is a disabling occupational lung disease caused by cotton dust. It is a well-known occupational respiratory disease in cotton industry workers caused by cotton dust pollution. Many studies have been documented the effects of cotton dust on pulmonary function among workers employed in cotton-spinning mills. However, little data exist on the prevalence of this disorder in female workers particularly in western part of India. The present study was conducted to analyze the effects of exposure to cotton dust on pulmonary functions among female workers. The study was designed to assess the effects of exposure to cotton dust on lung functions among female cotton industry workers. Study group comprises 50 Female workers of cotton industry and control group comprises 50 age matched females who were neither worked in cotton industry nor exposed to cotton dust. Information was collected using standardized questionnaires, physical examination and spirometric measurements. Student's T test was used to find the difference between spirometric parameters. All the respiratory parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF 25-75 % PEFR and MVV) were reduced in cotton industry workers as compared with control subjects (p<0.0001) and no significant difference of SpO2 between groups. Cotton dust exposure makes huge impact on respiratory parameters of the cotton industry workers. This deterioration in respiratory health deteriorates with increasing duration of exposure. The health hazards caused by cotton dust should be controlled by creating awareness among the workers & employers.

Assessment of VO2 Max among Female Workers of Cotton Textile Industry at Visnagar, North Gujarat Region: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Occupational lung illness is a significant problem among textile factory workers. Occupational cotton dust exposure has been linked to lung involvement in many epidemiological studies of cotton industry workers. The maximum oxygen intake is one of the measures used to estimate functional capacity (VO2 max) of cardiopulmonary efficiency. The integration of the ventilatory, cardiovascular and neuromuscular system is necessary for attainment of VO2 max. Aim: To assess the VO2 max among women employees in cotton textile industry and to study the correlation between VO2 max and anthropometric parameters like Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA), fat percent (fat %) and Lean Body Mass (LBM). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2021 at Nootan Medical College and Research Centre/Nootan General Hospital, Visnagar, Dt. Mehsana, North Gujarat, India, which included study and control group which comprised 50 female workers of cotton industry and 50 age matched females respectively (n=50 each) who had never worked in the cotton industry or been exposed to cotton dust. The labourers of cotton industry were chosen from the Mehsana district’s numerous cotton factories. Physical examinations (resting heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and a standardised proforma were used to gather data. VO2 max and anthropometric measurements such as BMI, BSA, fat % and LBM were measured by standard procedure. The statistical analysis was done by using Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation test. The correlation between BMI, BSA, fat percent and LBM with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was assessed by using Karl-Pearson’s correlation with level of significance was considered statistically significant if p&lt;0.05. Results: The mean value of VO2 max in study and control group was 35.62±0.34 mL/kg/min and 36.80±0.58 mL/kg/min respectively. It was decreased significantly (p&lt;0.001) in study group. The r values of BMI, BSA, LBM and body fat % were 0.262, 0.132, 0.236, 0.224 respectively. In the present study correlation between BMI, BSA, LBM, body fat % with VO2 max was reported as weak positive correlation which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: VO2 max was significantly decreased in cotton industry workers compared to non exposed control subjects. More studies on the effects of cotton dust on VO2 max should be conducted in future in both genders.

Use of Low-Cost Particle Counters for Cotton Dust Exposure Assessment in Textile Mills in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

ObjectiveThere is a lack of consensus on methods for cotton dust measurement in the textile industry, and techniques vary between countries—relying mostly on cumbersome, traditional approaches. We undertook comparisons of standard, gravimetric methods with low-cost optical particle counters for personal and area dust measurements in textile mills in Pakistan.MethodsWe included male textile workers from the weaving sections of seven cotton mills in Karachi. We used the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) sampler with a Casella Apex 2 standard pump and the Purple Air (PA-II-SD) for measuring personal exposures to inhalable airborne particles (n = 31). We used the Dylos DC1700 particle counter, in addition to the two above, for area-level measurements (n = 29).ResultsThere were no significant correlations between the IOM and PA for personal dust measurements using the original (r = −0.15, P = 0.4) or log-transformed data (r = −0.32, P = 0.07). Similarly, there were no significant correlations when comparing the IOM with either of the particle counters (PA and Dylos) for area dust measurements, using the original (r = −0.07, P = 0.7; r = 0.10, P = 0.6) or log-transformed data (r = −0.09, P = 0.6; r = 0.07, P = 0.7).ConclusionOur findings show a lack of correlation between the gravimetric method and the use of particle counters in both personal and area measurements of cotton dust, precluding their use for measuring occupational exposures to airborne dust in textile mills. There continues to be a need to develop low-cost instruments to help textile industries in low- and middle-income countries to perform cotton dust exposure assessment.

PERBEDAAN KAPASITAS KERJA FISIK PEKERJA NON PRODUKSI, WEAVING, DAN SPINNING PABRIK TEKSTIL BANDUNG

Workers of PT. Grandtex is divided into three different divisions; nonproduction division, weaving division, and spinning division. These workers have different activities, job processes, and work environments, especially in the cotton dust exposure rate. Exposure to cotton dust can influence physical working capacity. This study aimed to find out physical working capacity differences between workers of nonproduction division, weaving division, and spinning division. A comparative analytic survey study is conducted on 112 subjects, which consists of 32 nonproduction division workers, 40 weaving division workers, and 40 spinning division workers. Subjects are picked by the stratified random sampling method. Physical working capacity measured by using an anaerobic capacity parameter (V̇O2 max)with the Astrand-Rhyming chair test. The homogeneity of the result is tested by the Levene test and the normality is tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov. To find out the differences, those data are analyzed by one-way ANOVA test (p&lt;0,05) and followed by Duncan test to measure how big the differences are. The result of data analyzed with ANOVA indicated that there is a significant difference in physical working capacity (V̇O2 max)(p=0,000) among workers of nonproduction, weaving, and spinning division. This result was also followed by Duncan’s test suggesting thatthe physical working capacity (V̇O2 max) of nonproduction workers are bigger than weaving production workers and also bigger than spinning workers (35,78 ± 7,27 vs 31,50 ± 7,59 vs 28,03 ± 5,92 ml/kg BW/minute). From this study, we can conclude that the physical working capacity (V̇O2 max) of nonproduction workers is better than weaving and spinning division workers.

ASSOCIATION OF LEVELS OF PULMONARY FUNCTION WITH SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES OF WORKERS OF SHIVA SPINNING MILL TAPA, PUNJAB

India is now a major power source and is turning into a developed country from a developing country. It is been estimated by the government of India that small-scale industries contribute 40% of the gross industrial value in Indian economy. A diagnosis of obliterative bronchiolitis induced by cotton dust exposure was established on the basis of the occupational history and the characteristic radiological signs. In this study Quantitative, explorative study was used to assess the effect of cotton dust exposure on pulmonary function among workers of cotton industry at selected industries. The main study was conducted in Shiva Spinning mill Tapa, Punjab. It can be concluded from the present study that, the exposure to cotton dust has significant association with the pulmonary function with selected demographic variables of workers of shiva spinning mill tapa, Punjab.

Dust exposure and byssinosis among cotton textile workers in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Background: Cotton dust exposure increases the risk of developing lung diseases including Byssinosis. The prevalence of byssinosis is more in developing countries compare to developed countries. For the past forty years there are little information known about the prevalence of byssinosis and its associated risk factors among textile workers in Tanzania. Objective: The study aimed to assess dust exposure and associated risk factors among textile workers, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Material and methods: The study design was descriptive cross sectional study conducted from March to August 2019. Stratified sampling technique was used to obtain 325 participants (exposed 164 and control 161) respectively. A modified British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire and Side Kick Casella Pump were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software 23 versions. Chi square test and Binary logistic regression were performed to check for association. A 95% confidence Interval with a significance expressed in P˂0.05 was used. Results: Prevalence of byssinosis in the exposed group was 18.9% and 6.2% in the control group. Respiratory symptoms such as Coughing more days in three consecutive months (P˂0.001), wheezing (P˂0.02), dyspnoea I (P˂0.03), dyspnoea II (P˂0.007), and dyspnoea III (P˂0.002), were higher among exposed group compare to control group and the differences were statistically significant. The department of weaving had higher dust level of arithmetic mean of 2.20 mg/m3 (SD =0.32). Working experience (P˂0.02), previously respiratory symptoms (P˂0.001), were significant risk factors for byssinosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that workers who are exposed cotton dust have higher prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms. Awareness of the byssinosis disease, and necessary preventive measure need to be highlighted among stakeholders.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF COTTON DUST EXPOSURE ON PULMONARY FUNCTION AMONG WORKERS AT SHIVA SPINNING MILL TAPA, PUNJAB

Occupation health is related to human work, human place and work environment. Occupation health is entirely preventive medicine. The main objective of occupational health is the safety of workers in all occupations from injuries and disease and to improve their health status. It includes research approach and designs setting of the study, variable, population sample, sample size and sampling technique, development of the tool, pretesting of the tool reliability of the tool, development of the tool content validation of tool. Pilot study data collection process and plan for data analysis are discussed. In this study Quantitative, explorative study was used to assess the effect of cotton dust exposure on pulmonary function among workers of cotton industry at selected industries. The investigator obtained a written permission from the concerned authority of the Shiva spinning industries Tapa, Punjab. The baseline information was obtained by distribution of tool and baseline pulmonary function was obtained by spirometer.

Cotton dust exposure and risk of lung cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

Findings on the association between cotton dust exposure and lung cancer risk in epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of data from observational studies to quantify this association.PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library databases were searched for observational studies with data on cotton dust exposure and lung cancer risk. Studies that reported adjusted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer associated with cotton dust exposure were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to key characteristics.Fifteen studies involving a total of 73,812 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Combining estimates from all the 15 observational studies, cotton dust exposure was associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer (combined RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.91; P = .002). Pooled estimates of multivariate RRs by gender were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.58–0.88; P = .001) among males, based on 7 studies, and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67–0.89; P < .001) among females, based on 9 studies. Further analyses examining the influence of a single study on the results by omitting a study at each turn yielded a range of RR from 0.74 to 0.82.Our meta-analysis indicates that cotton dust exposure is associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer.

MultiTex RCT \u2013 a multifaceted intervention package for protection against cotton dust exposure among textile workers \u2013 a cluster randomized controlled trial in Pakistan: study protocol

BackgroundIn the Pakistani textile industry the prevalence of workplace respiratory illnesses, including byssinosis, is high. The MultiTex RCT study aims to determine the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention package in reducing dust levels in cotton mills, decreasing the frequency of respiratory symptoms among cotton textile workers, and improving their lung function.Methods/designWe will conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial at 28 textile mills in Karachi. The intervention will comprise: training in occupational health for all workers and managers reinforced by regular refresher sessions; the formation of workplace committees to draw up, agree and promote a health and safety plan that includes wet mopping, safe disposal of cotton dust, and the use of simple face-masks, as well as further publicity about the risks from cotton dust; and provision of adequate supplies of face-masks to support the health and safety plan. Participating mills will be randomized to intervention and control arms following a baseline survey. The impact of the intervention will be determined through follow-up surveys conducted at 3, 12 and 18 months. Data collection in the surveys will include spirometry, questionnaire-based interviews and cotton-dust measurements.DiscussionIf successful, the study may pave the way for simple, low-cost interventions that can help reduce cotton-dust levels in textile mills, and improve the respiratory health of textile workers in developing countries such as Pakistan.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03738202. Registered on 12 November 2018.

Diffuse lung disease caused by cotton dust exposure

Diffuse lung disease caused by cotton dust exposure

Occupational health and safety in cannabis production: an Australian perspective.

The legal Australian cannabis industry has been rapidly expanding due to increased awareness of the plant's therapeutic potential, as well its diverse range of applications including biofuel, textiles, building materials, food, nutritional supplement, and animal feed. The objective of this paper is to describe the current landscape of the commercial Australian cannabis industry, summarise occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards in cannabis-related working environments, and provide suggestions for safeguarding worker health and well-being in this emerging industry. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 1900 and 2017 was undertaken to identify case studies and original epidemiological research on OHS hazards associated with the cannabis cultivation and the manufacture of cannabis-based products. The review found that the majority of OHS studies were undertaken in the hemp textile industry during the late twentieth century, with a small number of articles published from a variety of occupational environments including forensic laboratories and recreational marijuana farms. Cannabis harvesting and initial processing is labour intensive, and presents a physical hazard Depending on the operation, workers may also be exposed to a variety of biological, chemical, and physical hazards including: organic dusts, bioaerosols, pollen/allergens, volatile organic compounds, psychoactive substances (tetrahydrocannabinol [THC])), noise, and ultraviolet radiation. Little research has been undertaken on the exposure to inhalable organic dust and other bioaerosols during the commercial cultivation and manufacture of cannabis-based products. Furthermore, there is an absence of Australian-based research and OHS guidance materials to help professionals develop risk management strategies in this evolving industry. It is recommended that: Investigation into the toxicological properties of cannabis dusts, specifically in relation to potential occupational exposures during cultivation and manufacture, should be a priority. The interim adoption of the respirable cotton dust exposure standard of 0.2mg/m3 for workplace exposure in hemp facilities until a cannabis workplace exposure standard is developed, and that exposure to medicinal cannabis containing THC are kept as low as reasonably practicable. An industry partnership be established for the development of an Australian health and safety guideline for the production of medicinal cannabis and hemp. A classification to meet the requirements of the Global Harmonization Scheme should be undertaken to ensure consistency in the use of safety and risk phrases in cannabis-related industries.

Dose-response of Cotton Dust Exposure with Lung Function among Textile Workers: MultiTex Study in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Cotton dust exposure among textile mill workers lead to impaired lung function. However, only few studies have investigated the dose-response relationship between cotton dust and lung function. Objective: To determine the dose-response relationship between cotton dust exposure and lung function among textile workers. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2016 and included 303 adult male textile workers from spinning and weaving sections of 5 mills in Karachi, Pakistan. We collected data through a translated version of the American Thoracic Society respiratory questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A) and using spirometry. Mill-level airborne cotton dust was measured over an 8–12-hour shift through UCB-PATS (University of California, Berkeley-Particle, and Temperature Monitoring System). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the association between cotton dust exposure and lung function assessed through the 3 indices: forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and their ratio (FEV1/FVC). Results: The mean age of the workers was 32.5 (SD 10.5) years. The mean spirometry indices expressed in percent predicted values were FEV1 82.6 (SD 14.0); FVC 90.3 (14.7), and FEV1/FVC 94.9 (10.5). The median cotton dust concentration was 0.61 (IQR 0.2 to 1.3) mg/m3. The frequency of respiratory symptoms was 15% for cough, 20% for phlegm, and 20% for wheezing. After adjustment for covariates, every mg/m3 increase in dust concentration was associated with 5.4% decline in FEV1. Conclusion: This study quantifies the exposure-dependent relationship between cotton dust and lung function; which has implications for regulations and standards in the textile industry in Pakistan and similar cotton-processing countries.

Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis and Individual Prevention Practices Among Textile Workers in Vietnam

The object of this study is to estimate the pervalence of rhinitis symptoms amongst textile workers and individual prevention practices currently used by workers in textile factories in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two textile garment companies in the Nam Dinh province of Vietnam from May to October 2016. A total of 1082 workers in all stages of the textile production process participated in the study. Itchy nose and sneeze were the most common symptoms (with 46.9% and 46.9%, respectively, followed by itchy (33.2%) and runny nose (24.5%). Duration of cotton dust exposure per day were positively associated with face mask use (OR=1.90; 95% CI= 1.24 - 2.90) regular face mask use (OR=2.5; 95% CI=1.87 – 3.33) and nasal spray before working (OR=4.2; 95% CI=1.49-11.83). A high pervalence of allergic OR is observed amongst textile workers in Vietnam highlighting the need for preventive measures to reduce exposure to cotton dust.

Cotton dust exposure and self-reported respiratory symptoms among textile factory workers in Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundCotton dust induced respiratory disorders are dramatically increased over the globe, especially the problem is serious in developing countries. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic bronchitis, and byssinosis are common among workers exposed to cotton dust. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude of the problem is not well known and information is limited about the risk factors. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors.MethodsA Comparative cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 413 (276 exposed and 137 unexposed) participants were included in the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select exposed and unexposed groups to cotton dust respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses was performed to identify variables associated with respiratory symptoms and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to determine the strength of associations. Significance level was obtained at 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value ≤0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was 47.8% (95% CI: 41.3, 53.7%) and 15.3% (95% CI: 9.6, 22.3%) among exposed and control groups respectively. Sex (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.45), service year (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.71) and ventilation (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.91) were factors significantly associated with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, working department such as; ginning (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 2.13, 12.16), spinning (AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.18, 11.29), weaving (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.46, 14.27) and blowing working departments (AOR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.4, 18.94) were significantly associated with respiratory disorders.ConclusionsThe prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was higher among workers exposed to cotton dust than unexposed workers. Sex, service year, working department and work unit ventilation were predictor variables for respiratory symptoms. Thus, reducing exposure to dust, adequate ventilation and improving the hygiene of working departments are needed to reduce respiratory symptoms.

PERBEDAAN KAPASITAS KERJA FISIK PEKERJA NON PRODUKSI, WEAVING, DAN SPINNING PABRIK TEKSTIL BANDUNG

Workers of PT. Grandtex is divided into three different division; nonproduction division,weaving division, and spinning division. These workers have a different activity, job process,and work environment, especially in cotton dust exposure rate. Exposure to cotton dust caninfluence physical working capacity. This study aimed to find out physical working capacitydifferences between workers of nonproduction division, weaving division, and spinningdivision.Comparative analytic survey study is conducted to 112 subjects, which consist of 32nonproduction division workers, 40 weaving division workers, and 40 spinning divisionworkers. Subjects are picked by stratified random sampling method. Physical workingcapacity measured by using aerobic capacity parameter (V? O2 max)with Astrand-Rhymingchair test. The homogenity of the result is tested by Levene test and the normality is tested byKolmogorov-Smirnov. To find out the differences, those data are analyzed by one-wayANOVA test (p&lt;0,05) and followed by Duncan test to measure how big the differencesare.The result of data analyzed with ANOVA indicated that there is a significant difference inphysical working capacity (V? O2 max)(p=0,000) among workers of nonproduction, weaving,and spinning division. This result was also followed by Duncans test suggesting thatphysical working capacity (V? O2 max) of nonproduction workers are bigger than weavingproduction workers and also bigger than spinning workers (35,78 7,27 vs 31,50 7,59 vs28,03 5,92 ml/kgBW/minute). From this study, we can conclude that physical workingcapacity (V? O2 max) of nonproduction workers are better than weaving and spinning divisionworkers.