Investigation of indoor air quality and pulmonary function status among power loom industry workers in Tamil Nadu, South India

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of particulate matters and gaseous pollutant present in the power loom textile industry which causes the respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and its associated factors among power loom workers in Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 159 (97 exposed and 62 unexposed) respondents were included in this study. A modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire and spirometry were employed to assess the occupational-related respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function. Odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p values <= 0.05 were used to identify the variables with significant associations. The experimental results measured using wireless air quality monitoring system revealed that the concentration of particulate matters (PM2.5, PM10) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) were exceeded the NAAQS and OSHA threshold limits. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was about 30.8% reported cough, 14.9% dry cough, 20.2% phlegm, 22.8% wheezing, 23.6% chest tightness, 7.1% chest pain, and 32.4% sneezing for the past 12 months. Regarding lung function of power loom workers, 81.4% had decline lung function, of which 86.07% had restrictive pulmonary abnormality and 13.9% had obstructive lung abnormality. The average FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, and FEF25-75% did not significantly differ between workers who currently engaged with cotton or synthetic fibres. Although, employees currently working with synthetic fibres had much lower FVC than cotton workers. There was a significant association between PM2.5 and PM10 concentration and abnormality of FVC% and FEV1% among loom workers. The current study demonstrated that employees exposed to indoor airborne dust and gaseous pollutants more prevalence to lower lung function, and workers who handle cotton and synthetic fibres were more likely to affect by the respiratory symptoms than controls.