Current risks of byssinosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in textile workers

The textile manufacturing sector is a major contributor to the economies of several emergent economies in the global South. Respiratory disease, including byssinosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among textile workers appears to be common in this setting.

Notably, little or no contemporary research has been published from countries, which are major global producers of textiles. Most recent epidemiological studies are of a cross-sectional design, with deficiencies that repeat those of research in this area over the past 20 years and do little to advance the cause of prevention. Their estimates of disease prevalence vary wildly for reasons that are unclear. An important exception was the publication of a successful, randomized trial of a low-cost intervention, the first in this field.

Research into the respiratory problems of textile work needs to embrace modern approaches to the understanding of (occupational) COPD and move beyond the estimation of disease prevalence. There is an important need for cheaper and simpler techniques for workplace dust measurement. Occupational health researchers should pool their skills, resources and protocols towards the prevention of a problem that is common to many low- and middle-income economies.