Effects of Hemp Dust Exposure on Nonsmoking Female Textile Workers

Symptoms of byssinosis were found in 39% of 102 female hemp workers who were nonsmokers. A higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis (P < 0.01) was found in workers with symptoms of byssinosis than in those without such symptoms. In hemp workers, either with or without symptoms of byssinosis, FEV_1.0 and FVC significantly decreased during work on the study days, Mondays and Thursdays; significantly lower reductions were registered on Thursdays. Inhalation of metaproterenol sulfate (Alupent) before work significantly diminished FEV_1.0 reduction, although not completely preventing it. Metaproterenol inhalation after work significantly increased FEV_1.0, indicating the reversibility of acute lung function changes during work. Comparison of lung function values measured before work with values obtained in the control group indicates a chronic effect of hemp dust on ventilatory function.