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Byssinosis: environmental and respiratory symptoms among textile workers in Sudan

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Summary

This study has been carried out to investigate the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms among 311 Sudanese workers in different sections of the Khartoum Weaving and Spinning Company. The prevalence of byssinosis was 67% among blowers, 40% in carders and draw-frame workers, 42% in simplex workers and 37% in ring-frame workers. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis ranged between 29 to 47% in all groups. A significant fall in FEV1 was recorded in carders and draw- and ring-frame workers. There was also a statistically significant decrease in FVC after shift in all groups except in the ring-frame group. The result of the present study revealed that the prevalence of byssinosis was very high in mills processing coarse cotton. Application of control measures and the early detection of exposure effects will reduce the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory impairments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan

    Mohamed A. Awad El Karim

  2. Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan

    Y. Osman & Yousif A. A. El Haimi

Authors
  1. Mohamed A. Awad El Karim
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  2. Y. Osman
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  3. Yousif A. A. El Haimi
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Awad El Karim, M.A., Osman, Y. & El Haimi, Y.A.A. Byssinosis: environmental and respiratory symptoms among textile workers in Sudan. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 57, 101–108 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00381377

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00381377

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