Assessment of lung function among cotton mill workers

 

 

Abstract              Background: The number of Cotton mill industries in Western Maharashtra with large work force is on the rise. Occupational respiratory related problems are also increasing in the community. Considering this fact, the cotton mill workers in Kadegaon in Sangli district were studied to determine the respiratory problems and impaired lung functions. Material and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in a cotton spinning mill at Kadegaon. A total of 278 Cotton mill workers, both male and females, of different age group between 25-50 years were grouped according to years of exposure as with exposure between 1-5 years, 6-10 years and 11-15 years. A pulmonary function test was recorded using computerized spirometer. Results: PFT of cotton mill workers in our study were statistically non significantly reduced because of the precautionary measures taken by mill management. Maximum numbers of mildly affected non significant workers were found in carding and blowing sections of mill. Discussion: The mill which we have studied has taken proper precautionary measures. Preventive measures are of paramount importance in minimizing the prevalence of respiratory disorders in cotton textile workers.

Key Word: Cotton mill workers, lung function test, respiratory problems