Dyes are known to be a causative agent of occupational asthma in workers exposed to them. We have evaluated respiratory symptoms among textile workers. The study population comprised 106 exposed workers and a control (unexposed) group. Data were collected by a questionnaire. PFTs (Pulmonary Function Test) were performed. Among the exposed workers 36.8% defined phlegm. Respiratory symptoms were not significantly different between two groups. The employment duration of the exposed workers with phlegm was longer than those without phlegm ( p = 0.027). The mean % predicted of FEF 25–75 of the exposed workers was found to be significantly lower than the control (unexposed) group ( p = 0.01). Our study suggests that textile dyeing might cause respiratory symptoms in workers.
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