THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF EXPOSURE TO AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS, DISORDERS, AND LUNG FUNCTION IN ELDERLY RETIRED POWER LOOM MILL WORKERS

Abstract

Background: Cotton industry workers face multiple hazards, leading to health issues like respiratory problems, byssinosis, bronchitis, and asthma. Occupational exposure in the textile industry, like cotton processing, can cause lung diseases, including Byssinosis, and increase the risk of respiratory complications, reduced lung function, COPD.
Objectives: To assess the respiratory health and lung function in retired power loom mill workers and compare it with non-workers of a comparable age group. The primary objective was to assess and compare the respiratory symptoms and lung function between these two groups.
Methodology: This study conducted in Kumarapalayam, known for its power looms, focused on assessing the respiratory health of elderly individuals, specifically retired power loom mill workers (n=102), and those who never worked in such mills (n=67), all aged 60 years and above. Non-power loom mill workers served as the control group. Lung function was assessed using a mini wright peak flow meter to measure peak expiratory flow rates. Rigorous statistical analysis was applied to detect significant differences or patterns between the two groups.
Result and Discussion: In our study of elderly male power loom mill workers, age was associated with declining PEFR values compared to non-workers. Among 63 elderly male and 39 elderly female mill workers, indicated a negative relationship between the length of employment and PEFR values. Interestingly, both genders exhibited improved respiratory function after retirement. Smoking exacerbated PEFR decline in elderly male workers, who also experienced a higher prevalence of respiratory issues. This underscores the occupational hazards they faced.
Conclusion: Elderly power loom mill workers exhibit a marked decline in respiratory function due to occupational exposure, with smoking exacerbating this decline. However, post-retirement shows a gradual improvement in respiratory health, emphasizing the lasting impact of the work environment.