Effect of Cotton Dust on PEFR and Chest Expansion Among Cotton Textile Workers

Background and Need of the Study: The cotton mill workers are exposed to various hazards in the different department of textile factories. Very few studies are conducted on cotton mill workers to evaluate the occupational-hazards among them. So, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of cotton dust on PEFR and chest expansion among cotton mill workers. Method: Ethical approval was taken. Study was conducted on 50 adults age group of 18-65 years. 2 Groups: Group-1: Cotton mill workers of Ahmedabad, Group-2: Age‑and gender‑matched Healthy individuals. PEFR of group1 and group2 was measured using Mini-Wright flow-meter. Then chest expansion was measured at 3 levels in both the groups. Result: Mean age, PEFR, chest expansion at axilla, at nipple and at xiphoid level of group 1 were (41.43+10.65) (303.12+134.38) (1.36+0.43) (1.49+0.51) (1.51+0.54) and of group 2 were (39.34+10.76) (456.56+76.38) (2.63+7.10) (3.08+7.01) (4.32+ 6.79) respectively. Comparison was done using Mann-Whitney U-test. Result was found to be significant (p<0.05) between PEFR, Chest expansion at Nipple and Xiphisternum level in both groups, while not significant at Axilla level in both groups. Conclusion and Clinical Implication: PEFR and chest expansion of nipple and xiphisternum level is reduced in cotton mill workers as compared to controls. Regular medication and specific exercise protocol can be made according to one’s need, which can improve the functional capacity of individuals. Keywords: Cotton textile workers, PEFR, Chest expansion, Cotton dust