Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dyeing and Printing Workers

BACKGROUND: Millions of workers are occupationally exposed to dyes in the world, but little is known about their knowledge and attitudes toward the effects of dye on their health.. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the fabric dyers′ and fabric printers′ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the health hazard of dyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was taken up in the Madurai district which is situated in the Southern Tamil Nadu, India. One hundred and forty-two workers employed in small-scale dyeing and printing units participated in a face-to-face confidential interview. RESULTS: The mean age of fabric dyers and fabric printers was 42 years (±10.7). When enquired about whether dyes affect body organ(s), all the workers agreed that dye(s) will affect skin, but they were not aware that dyes could affect other parts of the body. All the workers believed that safe methods of handling of dyes and disposal of contaminated packaging used for dyes need to be considered. It was found that 34% of the workers were using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as rubber hand gloves during work. CONCLUSION: The workers had knowledge regarding the occupational hazards, and their attitudinal approach toward the betterment of the work environment is positive.