[Environmental factors associated with textile industry in Democratic Republic of Congo: state of play]

This case study aims to make an assessment of environmental health nuisances in textile industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study. Out of 257 workers selected using systematic sampling, 229 workers were enrolled in the study. 223 workstations were subjected to measurements in order to determine the level of noise, lighting and heat. Data were collected from company documents, by means of a direct-question interview focusing on socio professional informations and through measurements. Descriptive analysis was used for sociodemographic and professional data and analytical approach was used for the measurements.

In the company studied 88% of employees were workers. Weaving department included almost 68% of workers. The majority of employees worked as part of a three shift (85%). The study population was predominantly male (85%), aging (52%) over 40 years and educated (80%). In the company studied, only 12.1% of workstations met the noise standards and 18% of workstations met the lighting standards. 94% of workstations didn't meet the heat standards for heavy work.

Our study highlighted the environmental health nuisances in textile industry, demonstrating the existence of significant gaps related to the prescribed standards for the measured nuisances. These results are a plea for the development of appropriate preventive measures. They should be confronted with other more detailed studies in this work environment.