Available interventions for prevention of cotton dust-associated lung diseases among textile workers

Authors

Asaad Ahmed Nafees, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Zafar Fatmi, Aga Khan UniversityFollow

Document Type

Review Article

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

The authors reviewed literature on interventions for cotton dust-associated lung diseases among textile workers. Internet sources (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google and Google Scholar) were accessed and interventions were categorized into: Engineering or administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE). Ten relevant articles were shortlisted, five related to engineering controls (pre-processing, bactericidal treatment of cotton, improved workplace design, machinery and dust control measures). Administrative controls may involve setting standards, environmental surveillance, periodic medical examinations, and workers training. Although specific guidelines are available regarding the use of PPEs, but there was little literature on their effectiveness. It was concluded that there is a dearth of literature regarding field-based assessment of interventions for control of cotton dust associated respiratory diseases and the available studies primarily focus on pre-processing of cotton. This review highlights the uncertainties that remain; and recommends several areas for future research on respiratory health of textile workers.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP

Recommended Citation

Nafees, A. A., Fatmi, Z. (2016). Available interventions for prevention of cotton dust-associated lung diseases among textile workers. Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP, 26(8), 685-691.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_chs_chs/236