Pathophysiological Effects of Cotton Dust Pollution on Blood Pressure in Textile Workers

Background: Air pollution is a major occupational hazard in various industries including textile industry. The respiratory diseases are labeled as fourth leading cause of deaths in Asia with prevalence rate 6.3% and this results due to increase in environmental pollutants in last few years. Cotton fiber inhalation in very high concentration results in inflammation of respiratory epithelium along with shortness of breath and bronchospasm. Aim: To determine and correlate the harmful effects of cotton dust pollution on serum aldosterone and blood pressure in human beings. Method: This study was conducted in a textile mill of Faisalabad. Eighty four conveniently selected workers participated in the research study who had been working in cotton industry for last 3-10 years. Data collection was done via questionnaire, blood pressure was measurement manually and serum aldosterone levels were estimated via ELISA. Results: Highly significant difference was noted in systolic blood pressure and serum aldosterone levels in all study groups. Conclusion: Exposure to cotton dust pollution for a prolonged period may damage the pulmonary endothelium which may lower the blood pressure in exposed persons.