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Byssinosis and COPD rates among factory workers manufacturing hemp and jute
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Byssinosis and COPD rates among factory workers manufacturing hemp and jute

Mukremin Er, Salih A Emri, Ahmet U Demir, Peter S Thorne, Yalcin Karakoca, Nazmi Bilir and Izzettin Y Baris
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health, Vol.29(1), pp.55-68
2016
DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00512
PMID: 26489943
url
https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00512View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Prior studies have been performed on cotton textile plants throughout the world. This study was planned to identify the rate of byssinosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in hemp and jute workers and those who worked with both of them. The study was realized in a factory which consecutively processed hemp and jute. The study enrollment included 266 people, 164 of whom were active workers and 102 were retired. A questionnaire, plain chest X-rays, physical examination and pulmonary function tests were performed. Dust levels were measured in various sections of the factory during 8 h work shifts. Endotoxin levels of various quality hemp fibers and dusts were measured. The rate of byssinosis (28.2%) was higher among the workers that who exposed to both jute and hemp dust. The frequency of chronic bronchitis in retired workers who previously smoked was higher (20%) as compared to currently smoking workers (17%). High dust levels were measured in some parts of the factory (mean (M) = 2.69 mg/m3). Working in dense dust areas, active smoking, being older than 40 years of age, being an ex-smoker, and working in the factory for a period exceeding 15 years were significantly associated with bronchitis and emphysema development. High endotoxin levels were determined for fine hemp dust (605 EU/mg), coarse hemp dust (336 EU/mg) and poor quality hemp fibers (114 EU/mg), whereas in fresh hemp stalks the level of endotoxin was determined to be lower (0.27 EU/mg). Because of high exposures to jute and hemp dusts that are associated with high byssinosis rates, personal protection and environmental hygiene is crucial to prevention of byssinosis.
 Corchorus - adverse effects Byssinosis - epidemiology Cannabis - adverse effects Occupational Exposure - adverse effects Bronchitis - epidemiology Humans Middle Aged Occupational Diseases - etiology Textile Industry - statistics & numerical data Byssinosis - etiology Male Bronchitis - etiology Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - etiology Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - epidemiology Dust Adult Female Occupational Diseases - epidemiology Occupational Exposure - statistics & numerical data

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