Long-term effects of work cessation on respiratory health of textile workers: a 25-year follow-up study.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The degree to which chronic respiratory health effects caused by exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin is reversible after cessation of textile work is unknown.

Objectives

To investigate changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms after cessation of textile work and to determine whether past exposure to cotton dust and endotoxin or smoking history modify the associations.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study consisting of 447 cotton textile workers exposed to cotton dust and 472 unexposed silk textile workers, with a 25-year follow-up. Spirometry testing and respiratory questionnaires were conducted at 5-year intervals. Generalized estimated equations were used to model the average 5-year change in FEV(1) and odds ratios of respiratory symp

SUBMITTER: Shi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2913234 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature