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The present study was conducted in textile mill of Pali city with the objective to study the risk of cardiac and gastric problems in relation to shift work among male workers. The results showed significant difference between Body Mass Index (χ2=14.2, p=0.0008) and waist hip ratio (χ2=5.2, p=0.0226) of shift and non shift workers. Results on food intake showed comparatively more deficient daily intake of nutrients like fiber (7.21 g), β carotene (1842.89 μg), and folic acid (99.03 μg) in shift workers with respect to recommended dietary allowances and an overconsumption of fats (37.72 g). Alcoholism (χ2=17.3, p=0.0001) and smoking habit (χ2=14, p=0.0029) was found to be significantly higher among shift workers. Comparatively higher segment of shift workers suffered from hypertension (56.0%), disturbed appetite (87.50%), stomach upsets (90.0%), nausea (88.50%), heartburn (85.0%) and breathlessness (34.0%). Shift workers also had higher mean levels of lipid profile fractions and relatively more subjects fell into the category of high risk (20.50%) of CVD. Longer duration of involvement in shift work also influenced the occurrence of gastric and cardiac problems like disturbed appetite (χ2=9.96, p=0.0411), stomach upsets (χ2=9.73, p=0.0452), stomach ache (χ2=10.1, p=0.0389), constipation (χ2=9.88, p=0.0424), dizziness (47.37%), breathlessness (50.0%) and swollen feet (44.74%). The study concludes that shift work affects food intake, BMI, WHR, BP, alcohol intake, smoking habits and lipid profile of the subjects, thus increasing the risk of health problems like cardiovascular and gastric diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major hazard for sewing machine operators. Ergonomics education is recommended for reducing musculoskeletal disorders at workstations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an ergonomics education in reducing the exposure to risk factors for WMSDs among sewing machine operators. In this study of 278 workers, their exposure to the risk of WMSDs was assessed using the quick exposure check scale prior to them attending an ergonomics education programme and then again 3 months after the programme. The scores for risk exposure before the education programme weremoderatefor back (static) and back (dynamic),highfor shoulder/arm andvery highfor wrist/hand and neck. The results obtained 3 months later werelowfor back (static) and shoulder/arm, andmoderatefor back (dynamic), wrist/hand and neck. Based on our results, ergonomics education can reduce the exposure to risk factors for WMSDs in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To evaluate the oral health status of Brazilian workers of a textile industry. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study including 489 individuals of both sexes was performed. Data on gender, age, schooling, frequency of dentist visits and caries experience (DMFT) were collected by a single trained and calibrated examiner. Data were organized using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and presented through descriptive and inferential statistics (Poisson Regression Analysis). The significance level was 5%. Results: There was predominance of female workers (57.7%) aged 30-39 years (44.6%) and with 9-11 years of schooling (79.7%). Almost all of them had visited the dentist at least once in their lifetime (99.6%), and 66.8% had done so in the last 12 months. The mean DMFT value was 11.14 (± 5.64), with higher participation of filled (6.21) and missing components (4.03). There was a statistically significant association between DMFT values (= 11 and = 12) and age group (p <0.001), as well as between schooling and number of missing (p <0.001) and decayed teeth (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The mean DMFT of Brazilian workers is high, with a tendency to increase the number of missing teeth as age increases. Schooling was associated with the number of missing and filled teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate trends in the prevalence of symptoms and risk factors of atopic eczema in 13-14 years old school children in Denizli. Material and Methods: This survey was first conducted in 2002 and repeated in 2008 using the same ISAAC questionnaire in the same age group. Possible risk factors were also asked. Results: A total of 3004 children (response rate, 93.8%) in 2002 and 4078 children (response rate, 75%) in 2008 were included into the studies. Doctor diagnosed eczema ever increased from 2.1% to 3% (POR =0.7, 95% CI = 0.52-0.95, p= 0.015). The prevalence of itch rash ever and itch rash in last 12 month decreased respectively from 20.8% to 14.7% (POR =1.52, 95% CI =1.39-1.72, p<0.001) and from 15.4% to 9.5% (POR=1.72, 95% CI=1.49-1.99, p<0.001). The prevalence of itch rash with typical distribution, itch rash cleared completely in last 12 month and kept awake at night by this itchy rash in last 12 month were significantly decreased in 2008. Atopic family history, tumble drying at home, working father or mother in textile industry were found as significant risk factors for atopic eczema in 2008. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of doctor diagnosed atopic eczema in 13-14 years age group was found to be increasing in Denizli, this study showed a decrease in the prevalence of typical clinical symptoms and signs of atopic eczema. Atopic family history, tumble drying at home, a working parent in textile industry were important risk factors for doctor diagnosed atopic eczema in 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: For the purpose of evaluation of exhaled NO as an index of airway inflammation, we assessed changes in fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) across a work shift and its relationship with respiratory complaints. Material and Methods: Chronic and work-aggravated respiratory complaints were assessed using a questionnaire in 89 male textile workers. FeNO and spirometry were performed before and after a work shift and all the changes were registered. Results: A significant increase in FeNO after a work shift was observed. Post-shift FeNO was significantly higher among the subjects with chronic respiratory complaints. There was an obvious decrease in FVC, and FEV after a work shift; however, we couldn't find a significant relationship between changes in respiratory parameters and concentration of inhalable dusts. Conclusions: FeNO increase after a work shift along with pulmonary function decrement and higher post-shift FeNO among subjects with respiratory complaints makes across-shift FeNO a non-invasive test for assessment of airway hyper-responsiveness in textile workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pyrethroid insecticides have been applied in the production of cotton, wool and textile. In order to examine whether textile workers are exposed to pyrethroid insecticides, we recruited 50 textile workers in two textile plants in Eastern China. Their urine samples were collected for the measurement of pyrethroid metabolites: cis- and trans-isomers of 2,2-dichlorovinyl-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (cis-Cl2CA and trans-Cl2CA) and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA). Our results showed that textile workers were exposed to high levels of pyrethroid insecticides. cis-Cl2CA and 3-PBA were dominant metabolites with concentrations of 0.17–261μg/L, while concentrations of trans-Cl2CA were in the range of 0.26–11μg/L. Levels of three metabolites were in a descending order: cis-Cl2CA, 3-PBA, and trans-Cl2CA. Levels of the metabolites were associated with ages and job responsibilities of textile workers. Sewing workers, cutting workers, machine operators, reorganizers, and older workers were more likely in contact with pyrethroid insecticides in the textile production. trans- to cis-Cl2CA ratios might indicate that exposure of textile workers was via dermal absorption and inhalation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background In a study of textile workers, the effects of occupational exposure to cotton dust-with possible exposure to aflatoxin-on levels of some liver tumor biomarkers were explored. Methods The study included 58 textile workers and 64 controls. Skin prick tests, urinary Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and the tumor biomarkers (alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha- L-fucosidase (AFU), insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1) were measured. Results Positive reactants to Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and cotton dust were significantly higher in pre-spinning (14.3%, 28.6%, and 28.6%, respectively) and spinning workers (25.0%, 33.3%, and 25.0%, respectively) compared to controls (4.7%, 7.8%, and 3.1%, respectively). Urinary AFM1 was significantly higher in the pre-spinning, spinning, and weaving groups compared to controls (554.2 ± 346.2 pg/ml, 459.1 ± 781.6 pg/ml, 296.5 ± 336.5 pg/ml and 68.5 ± 136.8 pg/ml, respectively). We found a highly significant increase in levels of serum AFU in textile workers, compared to the control group. Conclusion Exposure to fungi had a significant effect on AFM1 measurements and tumor biomarkers, especially in allergic textile workers (with the exception of the arginase biomarker), though results were generally within normal limits. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:818-824, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Two great changes in developed countries are taking place: populations are ageing and becoming increasingly overweight. Combination of these factors with shift work is a risk factor for work ability and mental workload that are dynamic processes which change greatly throughout an individual's work life.The aim of this study was to investigate mental workload and work ability in textile workers and to identify factors which affect work ability and mental workload. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 194 male workers in textile industry. Employees based on their job group and work conditions have been divided into 6 categories.They completed work ability index and mental workload questionnaires during three work shifts. Body mass index (BMI) and demographic details were recorded. Results. All of the participants rated their work ability asmoderate with high mental workload. The mean WAI and mental workload in age group were significant. The mean BMI was 25.5 kg/m2 (standard deviation 4.1) and the mean age was 40.22 years. There was a statistically significant correlation between work ability index and shift work. Conclusions. Unlike the previous study, a decrease point in WAI started in early age that may be due to lifestyle work and another psychological factor; on the other hand, NASA-TLX revealed high score in six subscales that can be another reason for low WAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The textile and clothing sector in India is changing as a result of developing technology and economic conditions, with businesses restructuring, modernizing, and adapting to technological change. Reduction of respiratory function among Textile workers in the textile industry has been observed since the 1970s. A contaminant of raw cotton fiber and cotton dust, has been proposed as a affecting agent that may deteriorate the respiratory function. Present study aimed to find the factors associated with the deterioration of respiratory function among male Textile workers. Methods: The sample consisted of 253 men above the age of 20 years who had worked for at least 3 months in a textile factory and 245 male Non Textile workers of same area were studied. All the respondents were interviewed by a pretested questionnaire to gather information regarding the chest symptoms, certain personal characteristics and occupational history. Statistical analyses like Chi-square and odds ratio was done to determine the significant difference between male Textile Workers and male Non Textile Workers. Results: Univariate analysis of the factors for symptomatic byssinosis showed that dusty worksites, heavy smoking and duration of service years were significant. Logistic regression analysis showed that working in the scouring (odds ratio 11.6), spinning (odds ratio 4.68) and weaving sections (odds ratio 2.8), heavy smoking (odds ratio 11.9) and more than 10 years of service (odds ratio 2.3) were independent significant risk factors. Conclusion: Efforts to reduce dust levels in the working environment and to discourage smoking among textile workers need to be strengthened to minimize the risk of developing byssinosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To find out extra auditory effect of noise like headache, vertigo, tinnitus and difficulty in hearing on textile workers of Surat city who were exposed to high level of sound at their workplace and to find out their relationship with duration of exposure to noise. It was also tried to determine any relationship between degree of hearing loss and extra auditory effect of sound. Materials and methods: 50 male Hindu workers of different textile mills of Surat City were examined by audiometry to determine degree of hearing loss and interviewed for subjective feeling of headache, vertigo or tinnitus. Age group of workers was between 20-50 years. Controls were taken from different parts Surat city. All were male and Hindu by religion, between 20-5- years of age without any of exposure to any kind of noise. Results: Among 50 workers exposed to high level of sound, 30% workers had complained about tinnitus whereas among controls only 2% had complained about it. When tinnitus was correlated with duration of exposure, it was seen that with duration of exposure to noise >20 years (n=20) 55% workers were suffering from tinnitus, with duration of exposure 10-20 years (n=15) 20% were suffering from tinnitus and with duration<10 years (n=15) 6.66%had complained about it. As far as difficulty in hearing was concerned, among study group 14% had complained of hearing difficulty whereas the figure was 4% among controls. When relationship between degree of hearing loss and subjective feeling of hearing difficulty was calculated, it was found that 7 out of 9 i.e. 77.77% workers suffering from moderate degree of hearing loss had complained about hearing difficulties. No one with normal hearing or mild degree hearing loss had any problem with hearing. 2% workers exposed to noise had complained about headache whereas the no. was 4% among unexposed group. As far as vertigo was concerned, 4% workers among study group were suffering from it whereas it was 2% among control group. No one among study as well as control group had complained about any difficulty in speech. Prevalence of tinnitus was significantly high among exposed group which increases with increase in duration of exposure. Prevalence of difficulty in hearing between study and control group was statistically not significant, but relationship between degree of hearing loss and difficulty in hearing was highly significant. No significant relationship between noise and headache, vertigo or difficulty in speech can be established. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that noise has significant effect on tinnitus and difficulty of hearing is related with degree of hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the prevalence and degree of noise induced hearing loss at speech frequency and at 4000Hz among textile workers of Surat city and also to compare the effect of duration of exposure to noise on them. Material and Methods: 50 male Hindu workers of the textile mill of Surat city between 20-50 years of age were examined by audiometry. Controls were selected from Surat city between the age group of 20-50 years. All were male and Hindu by religion with no history of any kind of exposure to noise. Results: Among 50 workers exposed to high level of sound, at speech frequency 80% workers had some degree of hearing loss and 20% were normal whereas at 4000Hz 90% workers had hearing loss and 10% were normal. At speech frequency 62% workers had mild degree hearing loss and 18% had moderate degree of hearing loss whereas at 4000Hz 4% worker had mild degree, 36% had moderate degree, 38% had moderately severe degree and 12% had severe degree of hearing loss. When the duration of exposure to noise is considered—workers with <10 years of exposure (n=15), at speech frequency 53.33% had normal hearing and 46.66% had mild degree of hearing loss. At 4000Hz, 20% had normal hearing and 80% had hearing loss—13.33% had mild, 40% had moderate and 26.66% had moderately severe. With duration of exposure between 10-20 years, at speech frequency 13.33% had normal hearing and 86.66% had hearing loss — 80% had mild and 6.66% had moderate. At 4000Hz 13.33% had normal hearing and 86.66% had hearing loss — 53.33% had moderate and 33.33% had moderately severe.With duration of exposure >20 years, at speech frequency all workers were suffering from hearing loss— 60% had mild and 40% had moderate. At 4000Hz again all workers were suffering from hearing loss — 20% had moderate, 50% had moderately severe and 30% had severe degree of hearing loss. When the prevalence of hearing loss was compared between speech frequency and 4000Hz no significant difference was observed but highly significant difference was observed when degree of hearing loss was calculated. Similarly, duration of exposure does not have any significant difference between speech frequency and 4000Hz as far as prevalence is concerned. But degree of hearing loss is significantly higher at 4000Hz than at speech frequency. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that the degree of hearing loss was very high at 4000Hz than speech frequency, although the difference in prevalence could not be established statistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Man needs a wide range of nutrients to lead a healthy and active life and these are derived through the diet they consume daily. Good nutrition is a basic component of health. The present paper assesses the Nutritional Profile of Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh. Methods: Out of total 920 subjects studied, 463 Textile Workers and 457 Non Textile Workers were randomly selected and interviewed for the purpose of study; Tools used were three days home visits and group meetings. Anthropometric measurements taken were height and weight. Dietary data was collected using standardized cups methods. Results: The findings depict that most of the Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers were basically non-vegetarian and majority of the Textile Workers and their families mostly missed regular pattern of three meals a day. Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) was found to be more prevalent in Textile Workers as compared to Non Textile Workers but the prevalence of over weight/obesity was seen more in Non Textile Workers. Conclusions: The nutritional status of the Textile Workers and their families was not an excellent one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To investigate the poorly understood relationship between work-related respiratory symptoms, airway reactivity, across working shift change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and work-related changes in serial peak expiratory flow (sPEF) measures in a group of textile workers.Methods Fifty-three workers, 34 exposed to cotton dust and 19 to man-made fibre (MMF), were investigated using a standard respiratory questionnaire, sPEF, across-shift FEV1 measurement and airway responsiveness.Results Thirty-four workers (64%) were male, and 9 workers (17%) had a >5% across-shift fall in FEV1, and these falls were associated with the presence of work-related symptoms. Seven workers had a positive sPEF chart as judged by the software analysis (OASYS), although there was no relationship between work-related symptoms and sPEF. Six cotton workers (18%) and one MMF worker (5%) had airway hyperreactivity, which was associated strongly with work-related symptoms. Five of the 7 subjects with a positive sPEF had airway hyperreactivity compared with 12 of 46 with a negative sPEF.Conclusions In this worker group, the presence of work-related respiratory symptoms was best associated with airway hyperresponsiveness and across-shift changes in FEV1. While a positive sPEF chart was associated with increased airway responsiveness, it was not associated with work-related symptoms. sPEF measurements may not be the initial investigation of choice for such workers. As these findings also have relevance to developing evidence-based approaches to health surveillance, further work is needed to better define these relationships in other workers complaining of work-related respiratory symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Endotoxin, a component of gram-negative bacterial cell walls, is a proinflammatory agent that induces local and systemic inflammatory responses in normal subjects which can contribute to the risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive lung diseases. A probabilistic approach linking models of exposure, internal dosimetry, and health effects were carried out to quantitatively assess the potential inhalation risk of airborne endotoxin for workers in cotton textile plants. Combining empirical data and modeling results, we show that the half-maximum effects of the endotoxin dose (ED50) were estimated to be 3.3×105 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9–14.7×105) endotoxin units (EU) for the blood C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, 1.1×105 (95% CI: 0.6–1.7×105)EU for the blood polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) count, and 1.5×105 (95% CI: 0.4–2.5×105)EU for the sputum PMN count. Our study offers a risk-management framework for discussing future establishment of limits for respiratory exposure to airborne endotoxin for workers in cotton textile plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Various effects of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) have recently become an important issue because of their widespread use in industry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of volatile organic solvents commonly used in textile paint industry on free radical levels and the antioxidant enzyme system in textile workers. The study included twenty exposed workers and twenty controls. Blood samples were taken after an overnight fast of 10 to 12 hours, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were studied in serum while super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was studied in erythrocytes. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis analysis tests. MDA and SOD were significantly higher in textile workers than in controls (p<0,01). In contrast, no significant difference was observed between them for TAC (p>0.05). Elevated MDA levels in textile workers may indicate increased lipid peroxidation as a result of long-term exposure to organic solvents, whereas elevated SOD activity suggests that the antioxidant system was activated to counter lipid peroxidation. The results suggest that textile workers occupationally exposed to volatile organic solvents make a risk group and require more frequent periodic examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Tobacco use is considered a worldwide public health problem because of the amount of death and disease it causes. The WHO reports that 30% of the adult population in the world are cigarette smokers, and that nearly five million of these will die within one year. Prospective studies performed by the WHO show that if current tobacco use continues, in 2020 there will be 8.4 million deaths due to tobacco related diseases every year; seven out of 10 of these deaths will occur in emergent countries, like Mexico. More than 53000 tobacco users die every year in Mexico because of tobacco-related diseases, and at least 147 of these die daily. Data from the National Addictions Survey (NAS) 2002 showed that 26.4% of the people between 12 and 65 years old were active tobacco consumers; this amounted to nearly 14 million individuals. Of these, 7.1% were under 18 years old. The number of tobacco consumers in Mexico has increased from nine million in 1988 to 14 million in 2002. According to the NAS, 52% of the users smoke on a daily basis, and 61.4% of them began smoking when they were minors. To know the actual consumption levels, it is important to consider some factors: the number of cigarettes a person smokes, the different situations where a person smokes, and the social and physical consequences of smoking. Thus, it would be possible to develop a consumer classification (i. e. soft consumers, mild consumers, and hard consumers). There may be numerous causes for a person to be ill. When speaking about the harmful effects of tobacco use, the literature is clear in stating that these begin with the first cigarette smoked. However, it can take up to 30 years for a consumer to notice the damage on his health after his/her consumption began; but within the first ten years there are problems in lung function and in physical endurance. When a person starts smoking there are acute and unpleasant side effects that are rarely associated with smoked tobacco use. Consumption creates a tolerance which makes unpleasant effects to stop or fade away, giving place to pleasant sensations produced by nicotine; concentration improves and psychomotor skills, alert, and activation get better and there is a reduction in anxiety and stress. The relationship between tobacco use and mental health is evident at the level of the emotional outcomes of suffering a chronic illness, such as lung cancer. On the other hand, nicotine use has been related to a reduction in the severity of depression. Chemical alternatives for reducing consumption, based on the substance physical effects that promote addiction, have not proven to be effective so far. There is also evidence that consumers that fail in quitting smoking or people that have dependence problems with nicotine show a high prevalence of mayor depression when compared to non-dependent consumers. This association was direct with the severity of nicotine dependence. It also has been observed that smoking interferes often with psychological learning tools, mainly when consumption starts at very early ages. Emotional distress can produce low self-esteem and a lack of self confidence. Therefore, the chances to begin tobacco consumption increase when it is used as a crutch to cope with social pressure and acceptance. Since tobacco use is a conduct that has shown to have serious repercussions on physical health and an important relationship with mental health in human beings, and is therefore a growing public health problem, the objective of this study is to explore a possible link among smoked tobacco consumption, mental health and physical problems in male workers from a textile factory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the effects of noise on hearing, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in textile workers. Statistical analysis of the audiometric tests taken by 30 textile workers reveals that textile workers with longer employment duration had poorer hearing thresholds. Results of the analysis suggest that there may be a relationship between the oxidative stress and hearing loss, since noise both causes hearing loss and increases oxidative stress.

Background: The textile industry is one of the largest employers in Lithuania. IARC monograph concludes that working in the textile manufacturing industry entails exposures that are possibly carcinogenic to humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk of lung cancer incidence in textile industry workers by the type of job and evaluate the relation between occupational textile dusts exposure and lung cancer risk in a cohort. Methods: Altogether 14650 textile workers were included in this retrospective study and were followed from 1978 to 2002. Lung cancer risk was analyzed using the standardized incidence ratios (SIR) calculated by the person-years method. The expected number of cases was calculated by indirect methods using Lithuanian incidence rates. Results: During the period of 25 years 70 cancer cases for male and 15 for female were identified. The SIR for male was 0.94 (95% CI PI 0.73-1.19), for female 1.36 (95% CI 0.76-2.25). The lung cancer risk for male in the cotton textile production unit was significantly lower after 10 years of employment (SIR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.12-0.73). The lung cancer risk decreased with level of exposure to textile dust (p for trends was <0.05): the SIR for the low, medium, high and very high level of cumulative exposure were 1.91 (95% CI 0.92-3.51), 1.30 (95% CI 0.52-2.69), 0.77 (95% CI 0.21-1.96), and 0.24 (95% CI 0.03-0.86) respectively. Conclusion: In our study the exposure to cotton textile dust at workplaces for male is associated with adverse lung cancer risk effects. High level of exposure to cotton dusts appears to be associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer in cotton textile workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To report findings on ventilatory function and estimations of concentrations of personal breathing zone dust in Lancashire textile weavers. Weaving room dust is considered to be less harmful than that encountered in the cardroom or spinning room and weavers are generally thought to have less respiratory disability than carders or spinners. However, this occupational group has not been extensively studied.Methods: Each person was given a respiratory symptom questionnaire (modified Medical Research Council, UK, questionnaire on respiratory diseases). Ventilatory function tests, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were performed on each person. A representative sample of workers from each occupational group underwent dust sampling in their personal breathing zone. Dust concentrations and ventilatory tests were analysed statistically with the Student's t test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and forward step regression for relations with symptoms and environmental factors. Significance was p > or = 0.05.Results: The FEV1 and FVC were reduced in workers with respiratory symptoms (non-specific chest tightness, shortness of breath, persistent cough, and wheezing) as well as in preparation room workers, current and former smokers, Asians, those working with predominantly cotton fibre (> 50% cotton) and starch size. Mean total dust concentration (pd1) in the personal breathing zone was 1.98 mg/m3. The corresponding value for total dust with large fibres lifted off the filter paper (pd2) was 1.55 mg/m3. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001) between pd1 and pd2. Non-specific chest tightness was predicted by low dust concentrations and persistent cough by high dust concentrations. On regression analysis, impairment of ventilatory function (FEV1, FVC) was predicted by smoking, male sex, age, not working in the weaving shed, not being white, and personal dust concentrations.Conclusions: The FEV1 and FVC were impaired in smokers and those exposed to high dust concentrations in the personal breathing zone. Symptoms were inconsistently related to dust concentrations in the personal breathing zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The section of "Woolen-yarn Manufacture" focuses on the risks to physical and mental health encountered by the workers in textile industries. According to the article certain aspects of the wool manufacturing business such as dust, atmospheric pollution, noise emission, and exposure to toxic materials can be extremely hazardous for the employees of the textile industries. It refers to the reports of the Textile research Council in this regard. Reports on machine safety are also mentioned. It is also mentioned that there are some mental and psychological factors affecting the well-being of factory personnel also. The modifications in the present system to overcome these hazards are also mentioned.

In 1978, OSHA took a major step in attempting to promote the health of workers in the textile industry, tightening its standard on cotton dust levels in textile plants. Because the OSHA cotton dust standard was widen believed to be ineffective, it became the target of a major political debate and a fundamental U.S. Supreme Court decision. The evidence indicates that the standard has had the expected beneficial effect on worker health, and at a cost much lower than originally anticipated. Nevertheless, the costs still remain very high, far higher than estimates of the value of the results they achieve or of the value that workers place on them. Moreover, much more efficient ways of achieving comparable results are available. Nevertheless, large firms in the industry now appear to have a vested interest in maintaining the standard in its original form and are unlikely to constitute a force for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that investigates the correlation of respiratory diseases risks and chrysotile asbestos exposure of textile workers in the U.S. It features results of the risk analysis of the asbestosis mortality and lung cancer of textile employees who are exposed to asbestos chrysolite. Moreover, it presents results of the Poisson regression models to determine rates of lung cancer.

Objectives: Given the health risks associated with the garment manufacturing industry, it is important to periodically evaluate the health status of these workers. Our objectives in this study were to firstly assess the change in morbidity profile by comparing the recorded ailments of workers in a garment factory in a three year period and secondly to assess the change in their nutritional status (Body Mass Index) over a period of three years. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study design was used. Data from the periodic health check up for these employees in 2005 and 2002 was compared. Data was analyzed for 187 employees (males 19; female 168) who were present for the health check up of both 2005 and 2002. The chi-square test and comparison of change in percentages were used to determine significance of change in BMI. Results: Musculoskeletal ailments were the most common health problems in the garment factory. There was an increase in the number of workers with complaints of dental caries, refractive errors and respiratory ailments. There was an increase in the proportions of pre-obese, obese (class 1) and obese (class 2) workers and a decrease in the proportion of those underweight and normal. Analysis showed a significant increase in the Body Mass Index (BMI) of workers who were previously underweight (p=0.00), normal (p<0.001) or pre-obese (p=0.03). Conclusions: These findings, which are probably related to sedentary occupation, call for regular monitoring of BMI as well as dietary and lifestyle interventions for these workers. The findings also answer the call for factory-based interventions to improve workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual perspiration level indicates a person's physical status as well as their comfort level. Therefore, continuous perspiration level measurement enables people to monitor these conditions for applications including fitness assessment, athlete physical status monitoring, and patient/elderly care. Prior work on perspiration (sweat) sensing required the user either to be static or to wear the adhesive sensor directly on the skin, which limits users' mobility and comfort. In this paper, we present a novel conductive thread-based textile sensor that measures an individual's on-cloth sweat quantity. The sensor consists of three conductive threads. Each conductive thread is surrounded by a braided cotton cover. An additional braided cotton cover is placed outside the three conductive threads, holding them in a position that is stable for measurement. the sensor can be embedded at various locations on a person's clothing. When the person sweats, the cotton braids absorb the sweat and change the conductivity (resistance) between conductive threads. We used a voltage dividing circuit to measure this resistance as the sensor output (DC). We then conducted a sensor calibration to map this measured voltage to the quantity of electrolyte solution (with the same density as sweat) applied to the sensor. We used this sensor to measure individuals' perspiration quantity and infer their perceived perspiration levels. The system is able to limit the average prediction error to 0.4 levels when compared to five pre-defined perceived perspiration levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the evidence about the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure comes from studies focusing on specific groups of workers with high exposure levels such as miners and asbestos textile workers. We present here results of our population-based case-control study of cancer and occupational exposures conducted in Montreal in the 1980s, thereby providing estimates of risks associated with exposure to asbestos incurred at various levels and over a wide range of occupations. Interviews were carried out with 3630 histologically-confirmed incident cancer cases (19 cancer sites), of whom 857 were lung cancers and 12 were mesotheliomas, and with 533 population controls. A detailed job history was obtained, as well as data on potential confounders. Each job held by each subject was evaluated by a team of chemists/hygienists and translated into a list of 300 potential exposures, including asbestos. In total, about 19% of study subjects had asbestos exposure. For each case series-lung cancer and mesothelioma, unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed using both the population controls (n = 533) and cancer control series (n = 1349 for lung cancer; n = 2860 for mesothelioma). Analyses focusing on lung cancer were adjusted for age, socio-economic status, respondent status, ethnicity and smoking as well as exposure to selected occupational carcinogens. Analyses focusing on mesothelioma were adjusted for age, socio-economic status and respondent status. For both lung cancer and mesothelioma, it turned out that results were similar using one or other control group; we present results using cancer controls. The odds ratio (OR) for lung cancer associated with exposure to asbestos was 1.1 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.8-1.5) for workers exposed at the non-substantial level and 1.9 (95%CI = 1.0-3.6) for those exposed at the substantial level. The OR for mesothelioma associated with non-substantial exposure to asbestos was 3.1 (95%CI = 0.8-12.3) and 15.0 (95%CI = 2.9-78.6) for exposure at the substantial level. All asbestos-exposed subjects were thought to have been exposed to chrysotile fibers. While it is difficult to ascertain, there was an attempt to identify the subset that had also been exposed to amphiboles. The subset thus earmarked experienced somewhat lower risk of lung cancer and higher risk of mesothelioma than the rest of the asbestos-exposed workers, but none of these differences (between amphibole-exposed and other asbestos-exposed workers) were significantly different. In conclusion, low levels of occupational exposure to asbestos were not associated with an excess risk of lung cancer while higher levels were. Excess risks of mesothelioma were manifest at low and high levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses research on inhaled fibers as causes of lung fibrosis in the U.S. as of December 1975. Facts on a research regarding the exposure of textile workers to dust of synthetic fibers; Observations lacking in the research on textile workers; Implications of the research on issues in occupational hazards.

Although India's cotton textile industry is a major contributor to the worldwide production of textiles, poor working conditions are deleteriously affecting the health of workers. This study was meant to assess the baseline pulmonary function of textile mill workers and its association with respirable dust concentrations in textile mill.The present cross sectional study was carried out during October 2001 to April 2002 among cotton textile mill workers of various textile mills located in Tamilnadu. Three large (>500 workers), two medium (100-500 workers) and four small (< 100 workers) cotton textile units were monitored. Exposures were assessed for total/respirable dusts (NIOSH protocol 0600). A total of 438 subjects were recruited for the clinical monitoring by a simple random sampling technique. 316 workers were involved in shop floor operations (Exposed group) and 122 worked in areas other than the shop floor (unexposed group). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to age. The history was taken as per the guidelines obtained from WHO grading system for bysinossis and nature and magnitude of self- reported disease conditions among workers of Textile Mill was recorded using a structured questionnaire and the pulmonary function was assessed using Spirometry using Portable data logging Spirometer (MIR SPIROBANK-Model A23).The results of dust measurements for all work areas regardless of mill size were above the ACGIH TLV for 8-hour daily exposure to cotton dust (0.02 mg/m3). The highest average respirable dust concentrations were measured in the weaving work area of a small unit (1.50 mg/m3), followed by blow room operations in medium (1.18 mg/m3) and small (1.10 mg/m3) units. Health assessments showed the prevalence of respiratory impairments to be much higher in shop floor workers (64%) as compared to office- workers (36%). The prevalence of byssinosis was significantly higher in the shop floor workers (exposed) than the office workers (unexposed). Pulmonary functions of the unexposed group were significantly higher than the exposed group (FVC (L)-3.1, 2.7; FEV1 (L)-2.7, 2.4; PEF (L/sec)-7.5, 6.5). A statistically significant decline in the pulmonary function was observed with increasing dust concentrations and years of working (taken as the exposure parameter i.e. gram- years; r value FVC: -0.49∗, FEV1: -0.47∗, PEF: -0.29∗).This study clearly indicates poor pulmonary function in textile mill workers exposed to dust. This baseline information is expected to aid the development of a regional occupational health database for use in local regulation and resource allocation for interventions to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in cotton textile mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the effects of cotton dust exposure on cotton textile workers. Absence of changes in vital signs and dyspnea; Presence of expiratory flow in some subjects; Difference in baseline white blood cells between dust-free control and dust exposures.