Respiratory Disorders and Dust Exposure in Sectors of the Cotton Industry of the United States. Part 4: Cotton Classing Offices

摘要

A survey of respiratory disorders and dust exposure in workers in cotton classification offices was conducted. The cohort consisted of 609 workers in 13 offices. The comparisons consisted of 1218 workers in nonindustrial facilities. The subjects were administered spirometric tests and respiratory questionnaires. Sampling for respirable cotton dust concentrations was conducted. Particles size distributions were determined. No acute or chronic symptoms attributable to cotton dust exposure were detected. The authors note that the cohort was significantly different from the comparisons, and meaningful direct data comparisons could not be made, except in the FEV1 (forced expiratory volumes). They conclude that there is no evidence of adverse health effects in these office workers. This may be due to study methodology or the low cotton dust concentrations found. Efforts to maintain dust concentrations below 0.20mg/cu m should be continued. A future survey with more appropriate comparisons is recommended.