Comparative Analysis of Textile Factory Workers With Frequency of Byssinosis and Its Relation With the Use of Personal Protective Measures and Workplace Hygiene
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Background: Textile workers exposed to cotton dust may develop byssinosis, respiratory symptoms, and impaired pulmonary function, particularly where workplace hygiene and respiratory protection are inadequate. Objective: To determine the frequency of byssinosis among textile factory workers in Lahore and compare pulmonary function between workers with and without byssinosis. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 356 workers from spinning, weaving, dyeing, stitching, and administrative departments. Respiratory symptoms, smoking, employment duration, personal protective practices, and workplace hygiene were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Spirometry included FEV₁, percent-predicted FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC, and peak expiratory flow. Group differences were evaluated using independent-samples comparisons. Results: Byssinosis was identified in 139 workers (39.0%; 95% CI: 34.1–44.2%). Personal protective measures were used by 52 (14.6%), and 65 (18.3%) worked under good hygiene conditions. Compared with workers without byssinosis, affected workers had lower FEV₁ (2.49 ± 0.49 vs 3.19 ± 0.31 L), percent-predicted FEV₁ (67.91 ± 10.23% vs 88.75 ± 6.91%), FVC (3.23 ± 0.58 vs 3.96 ± 0.45 L), FEV₁/FVC (77.12 ± 5.97% vs 80.88 ± 4.75%), and peak expiratory flow (4.69 ± 1.04 vs 6.00 ± 0.94 L/s); all p < 0.001. Conclusion: Byssinosis was frequent and associated with substantial pulmonary-function impairment. Improved occupational exposure control, respiratory surveillance, and protective practices are warranted
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