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Byssinosis in a Bombay textile mill
V Murlidhar1, V J Murlidhar, V Kanhere
1L.T.M. Medical College, Bombay, Maharashtra, India.
The National Medical Journal of India
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Byssinosis, a lung disease from cotton dust, affects 30% of workers in dusty textile mill sections and 17% in non-dusty areas. This study highlights the need for official recognition and compensation for affected textile workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Byssinosis, a disabling lung disease caused by cotton dust, was historically underreported in India's textile industry.
- The global incidence of byssinosis in textile mill workers is nearly 40%, yet government records showed no cases prior to a 1992 campaign.
- This study aimed to assess byssinosis prevalence in a Bombay textile mill to advocate for medical checks and disease recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of byssinosis in a Bombay textile mill.
- To provide data supporting the Employees State Insurance Scheme's medical surveillance and official recognition of byssinosis.
- To advocate for compensation for affected textile workers.
Main Methods:
- A voluntary study was conducted at a textile mill, involving questionnaires and lung function tests (FEV1, FEV1/FVC) using a Wright's ventilometer.
- Diagnosis of byssinosis was based on reported chest tightness upon cotton dust exposure and specific lung function parameters.
- Data was collected from 273 workers who attended the camp, out of 1075 total mill workers.
Main Results:
- Byssinosis was diagnosed in 30% of workers from dusty sections (54/179) and 17% from non-dusty departments (16/94).
- Prevalence increased with duration of employment: 24% for <10 years and 45% for >30 years.
- The study identified a significant prevalence of byssinosis, similar to global figures, affecting workers across different mill sections.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of byssinosis in Bombay's textile workers is comparable to worldwide rates.
- The disease impacts workers in both dusty and non-dusty environments within textile mills.
- An estimated 40,000 workers in Bombay may have byssinosis, necessitating recognition by the Employees State Insurance Scheme and provision of compensation.