A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study on Respiratory Health and Spirometry-Assessed Pulmonary Function Among Textile Workers in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Introduction The textile industry is one of the largest economic activities. Still, the laborers involved in it are exposed to various health-damaging air pollutants, putting them at risk of health issues including morbidities of the respiratory system. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pulmonary function parameters of the workers involved in textile manufacturing-related jobs. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out among adult individuals who had been working in textile manufacturing-related jobs as their main work. The details such as sociodemographic, clinical, workplace conditions, and smoking habits were collected, as well as chest auscultation and lung spirometry using a hand-held spirometer. The participants who had normal and abnormal lung function patterns were statistically analyzed for potential influencing factors. Results The findings of the study conducted from 95 eligible participants identified that the pulmonary function parameters assessed by spirometry were in the abnormal range among 84 (88%) participants. Around 72 (82%) of them had a restrictive pattern, and six (6%) had both restrictive and obstructive (mixed) patterns of lung disease. Smokers and those who lacked cross-ventilation and/or fresh source of air in the workplace were more likely to have abnormal lung function. Participants who had their workplace and residence as same had significantly 6.44 (95% CI: 1.24, 33.36) times higher odds of having abnormal lung function in spirometry. Conclusion As workers involved in household-run textile manufacturing jobs are found to be at a higher risk of developing abnormal lung function, using personal protective equipment, following occupational safety measures, and improving the working environment to acceptable standards are essential to safeguard the respiratory health of laborers in such unorganized sectors.