Chemical Exposure Related to Occupational Environment of Woven Fabric Workers, Northern of Thailand

摘要

Woven fabric is the famous products in Northern part of Thailand. According to the process of woven product, workers used several chemical along processing which can be contaminate in community environment. This study was conducted using a qualitative study with the aim to determine chemical exposure related to occupational environment of woven fabric workers in Northern part of Thailand. An in-depth interview was completed by face to face from workers in woven fabric with natural dye community during 2017. There were all of members in natural dye community getting involved in this study. The results shown that participant age between 50-70 years. Most of the participants were female. The process of woven fabric product included 1) cotton fibres cleaning, 2) weave cotton fabric and 3) fabric dye. Workers reported that they use detergent in cotton fibres cleaning. For fabric process, workers reported that zinc mordant and natural ash mordant have used in this process, also used chemical and natural materials. All of participants never treat their waste water from the fabric processing before pour. These are activating factors associated with environment problems, especially chemical contaminant in working environment and community environment. The finding suggested that the risk factors of chemical exposure related to occupational environment among woven fabric workers should be investigate. Furthermore, the improvement of working environment and educational related to working activities should be conducted in this community.