Textile Dust Research Articles

Sustainable Aspects of Multiple-Use Woven Fabric in the Hospital Environment: Comfort and Textile Dust Generation Perspectives

Textile dust released from hospital textiles is a considerable food source for pathogenic microorganisms and can lead to infections and illness in patients and medical staff. In addition, it often causes malfunctions in sophisticated medical equipment. The structural parameters of the fabric, such as the raw material composition, the thread density and the fabric weave, can influence the amount of dust produced. Friction between threads in a woven fabric plays a crucial role in dust generation, and friction is influenced by the surface structure of fibres, yarns and fabric. Understanding these factors can help in the development of fabrics with lower release of textile dust, which can reduce the risk of spreading infections in healthcare facilities. In this paper, the influence of the washing cycle on the change in morphological properties of fabrics in satin weave made of cotton–polyester blends was investigated. The study showed that as the number of maintenance washing cycles increases, the waviness, roughness and average amplitude of the surface roughness profile of the wove fabrics increases. Damage to the fibres during washing results in dust release, with synthetic fibres releasing less dust than cotton fibres. These results provide important information about the change in fabric properties during the washing process, which may be useful for further research and development of materials for use in a hospital environment.

A Study on Health Status of Women Workers in Textile Industries of Aruppukottai Block

The textile industry is the second-largest worldwide industry after agriculture. One of the largest textile sectors in the world, the Indian textile industry accounts for roughly 14% of the nation’s overall industrial output. Additionally, it makes up about 3% of the nation’s GDP and significantly increases the amount of foreign exchange the nation earns. With more than 35 million people currently employed, India’s textile industry is also the greatest in terms of employment creation. Industrialization is essential for prosperity and occasionally for a country’s existence. Initialization alone is insufficient; genuine benefits come from workers’ ongoing high performance, which is only made feasible by their good health. Industrial employees are only a small portion of the general population, yet the same factor that affect population health also apply to them The textile industry is the second-largest worldwide industry after agriculture. One of the largest textile sectors in the world, the Indian textile industry accounts for roughly 14% of the nation’s overall industrial output. Additionally, it makes up about 3% of the nation’s GDP and significantly increases the amount of foreign exchange the nation earns. With more than 35 million people currently employed, India’s textile industry is also the greatest in terms of employment creation. Industrialization is essential for prosperity and occasionally for a country’s existence. Initialization alone is insufficient; genuine benefits come from workers’ ongoing high performance, which is only made feasible by their good health. Industrial employees are only a small portion of the general population, yet the same factor that affect population health also apply to them The textile industry is one of the most rapidly expanding sectors for export and has a high labour demand. Numerous individuals in the nation are employed in the textile sector, however in the current environment, it is crucial to place an emphasis on raising awareness of environmental issues like air, water, and noise pollution during the conversion of fibre into fabric. Sorting houses, gins, and gutter sections are all parts of the textile industry. Sorting entails classifying cotton based on quality. In the gin house, the seeds are removed from the cotton and gathered in the gutter. There is a lot of dust in the blow-room where the cotton bales are opened and cleaned. Here, the cotton is repeatedly violently beaten to remove impurities, and then, in the carding area, the cotton laces are dragged by a machine to remove dust, leaves, twigs, and other debris. The carding room is filled with a lot of cotton dust as a result of this procedure. The following step of the project is carried out in the spinning shed, where there is also a lot of dust. A natural fibre called cotton is used to make clothing. When cotton is treated, tiny dust particles are released into the atmosphere. The individual handling the fibre breathes these particles into their lungs, which results in a long-term reduction in respiratory capacity. Brown lung (or byssinosis), a condition caused by exposure to a lot of cotton dust, affects thousands of people working in the textile sector. By inhaling it, textile dust can enter the body, and tiny dust that contains fibres can end up in the alveoli. The fibbers cannot be removed. Lung cancer, fibrosis, pleural plaques, and bronchitis are all caused by the dust that is collected in the lung. After prolonged exposure to textile dust, lung function is compromised. Breathlessness, chest pain, and subsequently bronchitis with increased sputum are the symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Its Diagnostic Approach and How to treat it

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by symmetrical erosive polyarthritis leading to progressive disability. It is more common in women, with a 3:1 ratio. Environmental risk factors are smoking, exposure to silica and textile dust. Materials and methods. Fifteen articles and three books on rheumatoid arthritis were chosen to identify the most accurate diagnostic methods and the most effective and innovative treatments. Discussion. Related autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factors, anti-citrullinated antibodies and anti- caramylated antibodies can be found in serum long before the disease develops. The interaction between genetic and environmental factors causes a breakdown of immune tolerance and triggers systemic autoimmunity. It has been shown that the lungs, oral mucosa, and gastrointestinal tract are initial sites where the immune system can become activated and produce RA. Different imaging techniques are available for diagnosis: plain radiography, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Doppler ultrasound was found to be more sensitive in identifying minimal synovitis and more sensitive than plain radiography in detecting joint erosions. As pharmacological treatment, it has been concluded that the first-line drug is methotrexate, as it relieves signs and symptoms, improves physical function, and prevents or slows the progression of joint damage. We also observed that NSAIDs help in the inflammatory and symptomatic control of RA. Conclusion. The quality of life of affected patients has been maintained thanks to the early detection of the disease, since there are several treatments (physical therapies, aerobic exercises, medications, etc.), which help to stop the evolution of this disease and thus allow the patient to lead a daily life.

Childhood cancer risk in offspring of parents occupationally exposed to dusts: A register-based nested case-control study from Sweden of 5 decades.

BackgroundSome largely inconsistent associations between parental occupational dust exposure and childhood cancer have been reported, with maternal exposures inadequately studied. The authors examined whether maternal or paternal occupational exposure to animal, wood, textile, or paper dust around a child's birth was associated with an increased risk of childhood cancer, both overall and by type (leukemias, lymphomas, central nervous system tumors, and other cancers).MethodsIn this nationwide, register‐based, case‐control study, children who were diagnosed with cancer from 1960 to 2015 were compared with up to 25 matched controls regarding maternal and paternal occupational dust exposure (9653 cases in maternal analyses and 12,521 cases in paternal analyses). Exposures were assessed using a job‐exposure matrix and occupational information from census and register data. By using conditional logistic regression models, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.ResultsNeither maternal nor paternal occupational exposure to animal, wood, textile, or paper dust was associated with childhood cancer overall, leukemias, or central nervous system tumors. Maternal, but not paternal, wood dust exposure was associated with an increased risk of lymphoma (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.84), particularly non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.21‐3.40).ConclusionsThe current study did not confirm the associations reported previously but is the first to suggest a link between maternal occupational exposure to wood dust around pregnancy and lymphoma in the offspring.

Exposures to IARC Carcinogenic Agents in Work Settings Not Traditionally Associated with Sinonasal Cancer Risk: The Experience of the Italian National Sinonasal Cancer Registry.

The aim of this study is to highlight tasks and jobs not commonly considered at high risk for sinonasal cancer (SNC) identified by Regional Operating Centers currently active in the Italian National Sinonasal Cancer Registry (ReNaTuNS), which retrieve occupational histories through a standardized questionnaire. Data on exposures to IARC carcinogenic agents in work settings unknown to be associated with SNC risk were collected and analyzed. Out of 2,208 SNC cases recorded in the ReNaTuNS database, 216 cases and their worked exposure periods were analyzed. Unsuspected jobs with exposure to wood dust include construction-related tasks, production of resins, agriculture and livestock jobs (straw and sawdust), and heel factory work (cork dust). Other examples are hairdressers, bakers (formaldehyde), dressmakers, technical assistants, wool and artificial fiber spinners, and upholsterers (textile dusts). Moreover, settings with coexposure to different agents (e.g., wood with leather dusts and chromium–nickel compounds) were recognized. The study describes jobs where the existence of carcinogenic agents associated with SNC risk is unexpected or not resulting among primary materials employed. The systematic epidemiological surveillance of all epithelial SNC cases with a detailed collection of their work history, as performed by a dedicated population registry, is essential for detecting all potential occupational cases and should be considered in the context of forensic medicine and the compensation process.

Properties of textile air conditioner waste dust-filled polyurethane rigid foam composites

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the morphology, mechanical and thermal insulation properties of textile air conditioner dust-filled polyurethane (PU) rigid foams. Textile air conditioner dust occurs during the spinning process of staple fibres. It consists of cotton fibre impurities as boll, leaf, and short fibres that generate a vast environmental load. This dust is used as a filler and dispersed in polyurethane up to 40% wt. The cell -size of foams decreased and cell -density increased by the increase in filler ratios in which the dust acted as a heterogeneous nucleation site during cell formation. The dust agglomerated in polyurethane foam and induced irregular cell wall and hence non-uniform cell formation and many broken cells. The flexural strength and modulus decreased in higher dust content (40% wt.). The lower thermal insulation of cellulose-based dust and damaged structure/uniformity of foam cells resulted in an unstable/lower thermal conductivity of dust-filled polyurethane rigid foam composites.

L’asthme professionnel et l’asthme aggravé par le travail. Quelles différences en termes de facteurs de risque et d’aptitude au travail ?

IntroductionAllergic asthma is currently the most frequent respiratory pathology in the workplace. Whether induced or aggravated by the work environment, the adequacy between this morbid state and work is often subject to re-evaluation. Aim to studyThe socio-professional, clinical, para-clinical and medico-legal characteristics of allergic asthma observed in the workplace, to assess their impact on the ability to work and to compare occupational asthma (OA) and work exacerbated asthma (WEA) in terms of associated professional and extra-professional factors and in terms of repercussions on aptitude. MethodsExhaustive retrospective descriptive study of all work-related allergic asthma files (OA and WEA), collected from the Department of Occupational Medicine and Occupational Pathologies of the University Hospital La Rabta in Tunis during the period from 1 January 2000 to December 31, 2020. ResultsThis is a series of 232 cases of work-related allergic asthma, including 76.7% OA and 23.3% WEA. The mean age of the patients was 40.28±8.96 years. The female gender was represented in 50.9% of cases. A personal history of atopy was reported by 16.5% of patients. The most represented professional category was that of unskilled workers (57.1%) with an average seniority of 11.43±7.96 years. The sectors that provided the most asthma were the textile sector (10%) and the health sector (10.9%). The clinical symptoms were dominated by paroxysmal wheezing dyspnea (51.5%), punctuated by work. in the majority (86.6%). The responsible agents were high molecular weight allergens (HMW) in particular vegetable textile dust (9.9%), low molecular weight (LMW) such as isocyanate (11.6%), formaldehyde (11.2%) as well as respiratory irritants, mainly mold (7.8%) and non-specific dust (3.9%). Asthma justified a workstation adaptation in 47.8% of cases and a mutation in 40.9% of patients.Comparing the cases of work-induced asthma with those that were exacerbated, we found that age and length of service were higher in the OA group, (P=0.002) and (P=0.005). In addition, this group was also associated with the grade of unskilled worker (P=0.035), exposure to HMW allergens (P=0.008), as well as the prescription for a job transfer (P≤10-3). In addition, WEA was associated with a history of personal and family atopy with respectively (P≤10–3) and (P=0.017), work in the transport sector (P≤10-3) as well as prescription temporary unfitness for the post (P≤10–3). ConclusionThe etiologies of OA and WEA differ. Indeed, the etiologies of WEA are essentially respiratory irritants while in the OA are HMW allergens. In terms of aptitude, the impact on OA is more pejorative than WEA involving more mutation.

Textile Washing Conveys SVOCs from Indoors to Outdoors: Application and Evaluation of a Residential Multimedia Model.

Indoor environments have elevated concentrations of numerous semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Textiles provide a large surface area for accumulating SVOCs, which can be transported to outdoors through washing. A multimedia model was developed to estimate advective transport rates (fluxes) of 14 SVOCs from indoors to outdoors by textile washing, ventilation, and dust removal/disposal. Most predicted concentrations were within 1 order of magnitude of measurements from a study of 26 Canadian homes. Median fluxes to outdoors [μg·(year·home)-1] spanned approximately 4 orders of magnitude across compounds, according to the variability in estimated aggregate emissions to indoor air. These fluxes ranged from 2 (2,4,4'-tribromodiphenyl ether, BDE-28) to 30 200 (diethyl phthalate, DEP) for textile washing, 12 (BDE-28) to 123 200 (DEP) for ventilation, and 0.1 (BDE-28) to 4200 (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, DEHP) for dust removal. Relative contributions of these pathways to the total flux to outdoors strongly depended on physical-chemical properties. Textile washing contributed 20% tris-(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCPP) to 62% tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBOEP) on average. These results suggest that residential textile washing can be an important transport pathway to outdoors for SVOCs emitted to indoor air, with implications for human and ecological exposure. Interventions should try to balance the complex tradeoff of textile washing by minimizing exposures for both human occupants and aquatic ecosystems.

Hygiene Hypothesis and Occupational Asthma to Vegetable Textile Dusts: A Pilot Study

Background: Over the last decades, the prevalence of allergic manifestations has increased significantly. To explain the increase in the prevalence of asthma, Strachan advanced the Hygiene Hypothesis, which states that decreased exposure to infectious microorganisms in infancy may have contributed to changes in the maturation of the immune system during childhood. To the best of our knowledge, no analytical studies detailing the links between the Hygiene Hypothesis and occupational allergy have been carried out to date. Objective: To study the relations between the factors involved in the Hygiene Hypothesis and the occurrence of occupational asthma (OA) to vegetable textile dusts. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from September 2017 to September 2018. The cases and controls were enrolled from the occupational medicine department of the University Hospital “Farhat Hached” of Sousse (Tunisia) among patients attending from 2009 to 2016. The case group was composed of patients diagnosed with OA to vegetable textile dusts. Controls were age and gender matched, working in the textile sector and not suffering from any allergic diseases. Results: A total of 57 OA cases and 112 controls were enrolled. Four factors involved in the Hygiene Hypothesis were independently associated with OA to vegetable textile dusts: the lowest rank in siblings (p=0.037; ORa=0.14; 95% CI= [0.02-0.90]); contact with animals (p=0.006; ORa=0.22; 95% CI= [0.08-0.65]) especially cats; history of parasitic and/or mycotic infections in childhood (p=0.004; ORa=0.035; 95% CI= [0.004-0.35]) and history of viral infections in childhood (p<10-3; ORa=0.028; 95% CI= [0.01-0.14]). Other factors had a protective effect, such as the parents' low socioeconomic level and the father's occupation as a farmer. Conclusion: The microorganism-rich environment during childhood is an important model for understanding the mechanisms involved in the development of allergic asthma. Our data suggest that prevention of OA in adults might require early intervention in childhood.

Occupational exposure to organic dust and risk of lymphoma subtypes in the EPILYMPH case-control study.

Objectives:This study aimed to estimate the risk of lymphoma and its major subtypes in relation to occupational exposure to specific organic dusts.Methods:We explored the association in 1853 cases and 1997 controls who participated in the EpiLymph case–control study, conducted in six European countries in 1998–2004. Based on expert assessment of lifetime occupational exposures, we calculated the risk of the major lymphoma subtypes associated with exposure to six specific organic dusts, namely, flour, hardwood, softwood, natural textile, synthetic textile, and leather, and two generic (any types) groups: wood and textile dusts. Risk was predicted with unconditional regression modeling, adjusted by age, gender, study center, and education.Results:We observed a 2.1-fold increase in risk of follicular lymphoma associated with ever exposure to leather dust [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–4.20]. After excluding subjects who ever worked in a farm or had ever been exposed to solvents, risk of B-cell lymphoma was elevated in relation to ever exposure to leather dust [odd ratio (OR) 2.2, 95% CI 1.00–4.78], but it was not supported by increasing trends with the exposure metrics. Risk of Hodgkin lymphoma was elevated (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.95–4.30) for exposure to textile dust, with consistent upward trends by cumulative exposure and three independent exposure metrics combined (P=0.023, and P=0.0068, respectively).Conclusions:Future, larger studies might provide further insights into the nature of the association we observed between exposure to textile dust and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Wood dust exposure and risk of sinonasal cancer development

Introduction:The incidence of sinonasal cancers (SNCs) is quite rare; they contribute to 0,16% of all malignant tumors and to 3% among head and neck cancers. The survival rate remains poor - it is 59.5% for 5 years. The two most common subtypes are squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC). Both subtypes of SNC are associated to occupational exposures. Main risk factors for SNC include chemical components, wood and textile dusts, nickel and chromium, welding fumes. Thus, people doing particular jobs are at higher risk of SNC. Purpose: Evaluation of the influence of wood dust on SNCs development. Materials and methods: We performed a database research using Pubmed, Google Scholar, Springer Link and ResearchGate and we made review and meta-analysis of relevant studies. We searched for studies analyzing the relationship between wood dust and sinonasal cancer incidence. Results: Studies have shown that the risks of SNCs were great for workers in wood-related jobs, especially cabinetmaking, carpentry or joinery. There was a strong correlation between ADC incidence and wood dust, however the morbidity for SCC was also high. Conclusions: SNCs development is related to the occupational exposures. People engaged in jobs associated with wood processing are at great risk. Proper ventilation and protection is necessary while doing wood-related jobs. Key words: wood dust; nasal sinus carcinoma; occupational exposure; ADC

Disability secondary to allergic occupational asthma due to textile dust: a Tunisian study over eight years

Disability secondary to allergic occupational asthma due to textile dust: a Tunisian study over eight years

Textile particle generation: test method for nonwovens modified for use on woven materials

Considering that textile dust can cause many problems in specific environments, there is a need for low particle release textiles. Usually this means using disposable textiles, but in an effort to reduce the amount of waste that such products generate, the aim of our research was to investigate possibilities of using multiple-use fabrics as an alternative. For the purposes of this study, a standard method for testing particle release from nonwovens had to be adapted in order to acquire reliable data on testing woven fabrics. Statistical analysis showed considerably more precise results after prolongation of testing time from 5 min (standardized) to 30 min (modified). Examination of particle release from cotton fabric after multiple washing and drying cycles showed increase in smaller particles count (<1 µm) but also decrease of larger particles (>5 µm) after 10 cycles.

Case\u2013control study of paternal occupational exposures and childhood\xa0bone tumours and soft-tissue sarcomas in Great Britain, 1962\u20132010

BackgroundThis nationwide study investigated associations between paternal occupational exposure and childhood bone tumours and soft- tissue sarcomas.MethodsThe UK National Registry of Childhood Tumours provided cases of childhood sarcomas born and diagnosed in Great Britain, 1962–2010. Control births, unaffected by childhood cancer, were matched on sex, birth period and birth registration sub-district. Fathers’ occupations were assigned to one or more of 33 exposure groups and coded for occupational social class.ResultsWe analysed 5,369 childhood sarcoma cases and 5380 controls. Total bone tumours, total soft-tissue sarcomas and the subgroups osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumours (ESFT) were considered separately. Significant positive associations were seen between rhabdomyosarcoma and paternal exposure to EMFs (odds ratio = 1.67, CI = 1.22–2.28) and also for ESFT and textile dust (1.93, 1.01–3.63). There were putative protective effects on total bone tumours of paternal dermal exposure to hydrocarbons, metal, metal working or oil mists.ConclusionsDespite the large size and freedom from bias of this study, our results should be interpreted with caution. Many significance tests were undertaken, and chance findings are to be expected. Nevertheless, our finding of associations between ESFT and paternal exposure to textile dust may support related suggestions in the literature.

Occupational exposure to organic dusts and risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis: findings from a Swedish population-based case–control study

ObjectivesWe estimated the association between occupational exposures to five different organic dusts: wood, animal, paper, textile and flour dust and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThis population-based case–control study...

Association Between Organic Dust Exposure and Adult-Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies.

BackgroundExposure to organic dust has been widely investigated as a potential risk factor for asthma with different results. To clarify a potential relationship, we performed the present meta-analysis to integrate the results of studies examining the association of organic dust exposure with asthma.MethodsA comprehensive literature search in the electronic databases including EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases (up to August 2018) was conducted. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for organic dust exposure and asthma were retrieved and pooled to generate summary effect estimates in Revman 5.2.ResultsDatabase searches retrieved 1,016 records. A total of 17 studies containing 3,619 cases and 6,585 controls were finally included in our meta-analysis. The summary estimates suggested that organic dust exposure was positively associated with asthma (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.26–1.75; P < 0.00001), whether among population-based case-control studies (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.13–1.35; P < 0.00001) or hospital-based case-control studies (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.27–6.12; P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that paper/wood (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.38–1.90; P < 0.00001), flour/grain (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.97; P = 0.008), and textile dust (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.08–2.09; P = 0.02) exposure were significantly associated with asthma.ConclusionsBased on the studies evaluated, our meta-analysis results prompt that organic dust exposure is a risk factor inducing asthma, although precise analysis focus on specific organic dust materials is still warranted.

Potential use of textile dust in the middle layer of three-layered particleboards as an eco-friendly solution

Textile (cotton) dust, which is harmful to humans and the environment, is one of the largest wastes in the textile industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of this waste in high value-added materials. Physical and mechanical properties and formaldehyde emissions of the three-layered particleboards with textile (cotton) dust in the middle layer were investigated in this study. A phenol formaldehyde resin was used as the binder in particleboard production. Four different amounts of textile dust (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) based on the oven-dried weight of the wood were obtained from a commercial textile manufacturer as industrial waste. The density, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bond, and formaldehyde emissions of the produced panels were determined. The physical and mechanical properties and formaldehyde emissions of the particleboards were negatively affected, which decreased with the addition of a high amount of textile powder. At low rates, the use of textile dust in the middle layer did not significantly decrease the particleboard properties. Textile dust can be a partial solution for the raw material demand of the wood-based panel industry.

Association between Occupational Exposure to Textile Fibre Dusts and Lung Cancer in a Population-Based Case-Control Study in Montreal: A Preliminary Analysis Comparing Results from Three Analytical Methods

Objectives: To compare results estimated using two causal inference methods, inverse probability of exposure weighting (IPEW) and G-computation, to that estimated using the conventional multivariable logistic regression, on the association between occupational exposure to textile fibre dusts and lung cancer risk.Methods: A population-based case-control study on lung cancer was conducted from 1996 to 2001 in Montreal, Canada. Cases were individuals diagnosed with incident lung cancer and population controls were randomly selected from electoral lists and frequency-matched to cases by age, sex and electoral district. Questionnaires on lifetime occupational history, smoking and demographic characteristics were collected during in-person interview. Experts reviewed subjects&amp;#8217; work history and assessed exposure to 294 agents, including textile fibre dusts. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between ever exposure to textile fibre dusts and lung cancer risk were estimated using three different methods: 1) IPEW, 2) G-computation, and 3) conventional multivariable regression.Results: The two causal inference methods produced higher point estimates (ORIPEW&amp;#61;1.17, 95% CI&amp;#61;0.86-1.57; ORG-computation&amp;#61;1.11, 95% CI&amp;#61;0.80-1.49) compared to that estimated using the conventional multivariable logistic regression (OR&amp;#61;0.87, 95% CI&amp;#61;0.68-1.11). However, all three sets of OR results were close to the null value.Conclusion: The different methods provided rather similar results, albeit not identical. They are compatible with a null association between occupational exposure to textile fibre dusts and lung cancer.

Analyse des dossiers d’asthme professionnel reconnu sur une période de 15 ans dans une population du Nord de la Tunisie

Because of their frequency and their medical and socioprofessional impact, respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, are a major occupational health problem. Indeed, these diseases are currently the third most common occupational disease reported to the CNAM in Tunisia. ObjectivesTo describe the socioprofessional, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of occupational asthma in Tunisia in the private sector, to identify the occupational risk factors that cause this disease, and to evaluate the medicolegal consequences of compensation for this occupational disease. MethodsA descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study covering all cases of occupational asthma recognized as occupational diseases and compensated in the northern region of Tunisia, studied by medical commissions empowered to set rates for permanent partial disability caused by either a work-related injury or an occupational disease over a period of 15 years (2002–2016). ResultsA total of 127 cases of occupational asthma were collected between January 2002 and December 2016 in the northern region of Tunisia, corresponding to 11% of all occupational diseases recognized during this period study. The average patient age of is 40.47 years, with a slight predominance among females (59%). The average duration of exposure is 13.92 years. The sector most concerned is the clothing and textile industry (33.07%), with a rise in the automotive accessories sector (15.74%) in the northern region of Tunisia. The allergens to which workers were exposed were mainly textile and vegetable dust, including 32.28% cotton. In second place were isocyanates with 29 cases (22.83%), followed by formic aldehyde (9.44%) and flour 8.66%. Association of occupational allergic rhinitis with occupational asthma was reported in 26/127 cases. In total, 13,712 working days were lost and the average IPP rate was 22%; 70% of our population are no longer active and have lost their jobs after compensation. ConclusionThe prognosis of occupational asthma depends on early and rigorous diagnosis as well as the establishment of a consensual approach in the compensation practices adapted to the actual situation prevailing in our country.

Environmental Causes of Asthma.

Environmental factors which cause asthma are those that induce airway inflammation with eosinophils (more common) or neutrophils along with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The most common of these (indeed the most common cause of asthma) are IgE-mediated inhalant allergen exposures. Allergen-induced AHR and inflammation are both associated with the allergen-induced late asthmatic response (LAR). Although allergens were previously recognized only as causes of symptoms and bronchoconstriction in asthmatics, we now appreciate them as causes of the fundamental pathophysiologic features of asthma. Low-molecular-weight chemical sensitizers, causes of occupational asthma, also cause asthma in a manner analogous to allergen. Acute irritant-induced asthma (reactive airways dysfunction syndrome) following a very heavy irritant exposure and chronic irritant-induced asthma following repeated high exposures can also induce persistent or permanent changes (inflammation and AHR) consistent with asthma. Textile dust exposure produces a different form of airway disease (byssinosis) which is less frequently observed currently. Environmental exposure to tobacco smoke facilitates the development of asthma in children. Personal smoking and environmental air pollution have an inconsistent and likely generally small effect in causing asthma.