Respiratory Disorders among Dust Exposed Workers

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to dusts and hard physical work is common in developing industrialized countries. Acute and chronic respiratory illnesses are highly been reported from jute and textile industry. This study was undertaken to explore status of respiratory health among the workers of jute and textile industries. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 315 workers from each of textile and jute industry of Eastern Nepal. Almost all the workers were selected from the textile industry whereas those from dust prone areas of jute industry. Workers were interviewed using pre-tested questionnaires. Measurement of height, weight and peak expiratory flow rate was done. RESULTS: Majority were non-smokers in both the industries 230 (73%) in Jute vs. 223 (70.8%) in Textile. Most of the workers had the working experience of less than five years; jute 134 (42.5%) vs. textile 180 (57.1%). Upper respiratory disorder was found in more than 1/5 of workers (68) in jute vs. 1/20 of workers (18) in textile industry. One and two workers suffered from chronic bronchitis in the jute and the textile industry respectively. Chest tightness was reported among 4 (1.3%) in jute vs. 17 (5.4%) in textile workers, cough symptoms among 86 (27.3%) in jute vs. 26 (8.3%) in textile industry. Low practice of personal protective measure was seen in both industries. The mean score of PEFR of workers in jute mill was lower than the workers in textile industry. CONCLUSIONS: Workers with acute respiratory disorders were more in the jute industry while chest tightness was more in the textile industry. Chronic respiratory problems did not appear to be alarming in both the industries. Use of personal protective measures should be promoted among the dust exposed workers.