Respiratory Disorders and Dust Exposure in Sectors of the Cotton Industry of the United States. Part 2: Cotton Compress Warehouses

摘要

A survey of respiratory disorders and dust exposure among cotton compress/warehouse workers was conducted. The cohort consisted of 512 workers in 18 compress/warehouses. The comparisons consisted of 1218 workers in nonindustrial facilities. The subjects were administered spirometric tests and a respiratory questionnaire. Sampling for respirable cotton dust concentrations was conducted. Particle size distributions were determined. The authors note that due to the inconclusive nature of the results, no definite conclusions regarding lung function and symptomatology and cotton dust exposure can be drawn. A more comprehensive survey to detect other etiologic agents that can cause increased pulmonary symptoms and decrements in pulmonary function is recommended.