Byssinosis

A respiratory screening program, including the administration of a questionnaire and pulmonary function tests, including one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC), was carried out on employees working in cotton textile plants. This identified employees with byssinosis and other pulmonary conditions. The results revealed a marked relationship between the incidence of byssinosis and bronchitis and between byssinosis and lowered pulmonary function. Cigarette smoking appeared to further increase the incidence of bronchitis and lower pulmonary function. A drop in FEV₁ during the working day, though associated with, was often present without byssinosis symptoms. A combined program of dust control with medical evaluation and surveillance is practical. Identification of reactors to cotton dust and those with other pulmonary conditions enables the employer to lessen risk by localization of areas in need of improved environmental control and by selective placement of employees.