Abstract

Background: The respiratory system is the most vulnerable system in the Kashmiri art industry workers. This study was conducted to determine the effects of occupational exposure to Kashmiri art on the respiratory system more thoroughly.

Methods: A total of 212 Kashmiri art workers engaged in various sub-occupations and a reference group of 23 subjects were studied for the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function status. Respiratory functions were recorded by a portable electronic spirometer.

Results: The study conducted on Kashmiri art workers showed that among the various sub-groups the prevalence of respiratory symptoms ranged from 27.0-45.8% in comparison to 5.4% in control population. Respiratory symptoms were significantly higher in smoking workers as compared to that in non-smoking workers. Period of occupational exposure in Kashmiri art workers was found directly related with the prevalence of respiratory symptoms.

There was significant prevalence of pulmonary abnormalities in exposed workers in comparison to unexposed population. Among the sub-occupational groups of workers, wool yarn dyers, carpet washers and carpet weavers showed maximum prevalence of respiratory impairment. The carpet workers were primarily affected by the bronchial obstruction. Duration of exposure had a direct relation with the prevalence of respiratory impairment.

Conclusion: The impairment in the respiratory health of workers in various sub-occupations could be attributed to the exposure to fibres of cotton and wool as well as a variety of chemicals and dyes used in the Kashmiri art industries. The monitoring of air dust revealed prevalence of occupationally generated dust in most of the suboccupations in key processing units of Kashmiri art industries at Srinagar and other adjacent districts viz Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora and Baramulla.