Effects of exposure to cotton dust on energy expenditure in the textile industry.

An assessment of energy expenditure has been made in 50 male textile workers and 30 male office cleaners. There was a statistically significant difference (P less than 0.001) in energy expenditure between textile workers and office cleaners amounting to 12 to 16%. While 33.3% of the textile group complained of chest disorders, none of the cleaners had such a complaint. FEV1 and FVC values of the textile workers were significantly lower (P less than 0.01) compared to those of the controls. There were no differences in body weight, lean body mass and socio-economic conditions of the two groups, however, the textile workers were younger and taller than the unexposed group. Exposure to cotton dust and respiratory and ventilatory impairments are suspected of causing a reduction in the energy expenditure of the textile workers.