Respiratory Health Impacts of Cotton Dust Exposure

Cotton dust is a complex mixture of plant fibres, microorganisms and contaminants generated at various stages of cotton processing. Prolonged inhalation of this dust can irritate the airways, triggering bronchoconstriction, chronic cough, chest tightness and progressive declines in lung function. Byssinosis, also known as ‘brown‐lung disease’, remains the hallmark occupational condition associated with cotton dust, characterised by chest tightness on the first day of the workweek. Beyond byssinosis, exposed workers frequently develop chronic bronchitis, airflow obstruction and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Vulnerability varies by fibre type, dust concentration, duration of exposure and use of protective measures. In low‐ and middle‐income settings, inadequate ventilation and limited provision of personal protective equipment exacerbate disease burden. Recent work has emphasised the need for integrated prevention, combining engineering controls, routine spirometry monitoring and worker education to mitigate long‐term health impacts and maintain productivity in the global textile sector.

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Respiratory Health Impacts of Cotton Dust Exposure publication trend

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Technical terms

Byssinosis: Occupational lung disease characterised by chest tightness and breathlessness linked to cotton dust exposure, often manifesting at the start of the workweek.

Spirometry: Lung function test measuring volumes and flow rates to assess airway obstruction and restriction.

Forced vital capacity (FVC): Total volume of air exhaled forcefully after a full inhalation, used to evaluate restrictive and obstructive lung disorders.

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1): Volume of air expelled in the first second of a forced exhalation, indicative of airway calibre.

Respirable dust: Fraction of airborne particles small enough (<10 µm) to penetrate deep into the lungs, posing the greatest risk to respiratory health.

References

1. The chemical composition of standard cotton dust.. Environmental Health Perspectives (1986).
2. Byssinosis and lung health among cotton textile workers: baseline findings of the MultiTex trial in Karachi, Pakistan. Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2023).
3. Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among textile industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt. Journal of Public Health in Africa (2023).
4. Assessment of respiratory dust exposure and lung functions among workers in textile mill (Thamine), Myanmar: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health (2021).