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PubMed2006

Potentials of high-temperature anaerobic treatment and redox mediators for the reductive decolorization of azo dyes from textile wastewaters.

The discharge of dye-colored wastewaters in surface water represents a serious environmental problem because it may decrease the water transparency, therefore having an effect on photosynthesis, and a public health concern because dyes and their reducing products are carcinogenic. In recent years, big achievements have been made in the use of anaerobic granular sludge not only on colored wastewaters but also on the detoxification of other xenobiotics compounds. This paper compiles some important findings related to the potentials of high-temperature anaerobic treatment and redox mediators on the reductive decolorization of azo dyes from textile wastewaters.

Anaerobiosis↗
PubMed1985

Effect of scaling method on perception of textiles.

This study examined the effect of scaling methods on tactual ratings of fabrics. Four tactile attributes, namely, stiffness, thickness, roughness, and warmth, of 11 test fabrics with a wide variety of tactual qualities were evaluated by 75 college students enrolled in textile courses. The tactual ratings of all four attributes evaluated by touch and sight and touch were significantly correlated. The tactual evaluation made on a 7-point semantic differential scale on each test fabric was compared with tactual ranking by paired-comparison method. Significant correlations were found between two rankings of four attributes.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

Noise exposure and permanent hearing loss of textile workers in Thailand.

Hearing loss induced by noise exposure in a large scale textile mill (number of workers = 1,611) in Thailand was investigated on the basis of interviews, noise measurements, and audiometric tests. The frequency of subjective symptoms relating to noise exposure was higher in the weavers than among other mill workers and office workers. The average noise levels in the weaving sections and other sections were 101.3 +/- 2.7 dBA and 89.8 +/- 5.3 dBA, respectively. The results of the audiometric tests revealed the significantly higher noise-induced hearing loss among workers in the weaving section compared to other mill workers and office workers (P less than 0.01). Among weavers, hearing levels decreased with the longer years of work. Concerning personal noise protective devices, 38.6% of the weavers never used them. It was concluded that hearing loss status in the workers of the mill was serious. Improvements by means of integrated work organization activities were recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects of earplugs on catecholamine and cortisol excretion in noise-exposed textile workers.

To investigate physiological and psychological effects of industrial noise, a survey was performed on 50 female workers exposed to machinery noise [93-100 dB(A)] (noise group) and 25 female workers in less-noisy environments [71-75 dB(A)] (control group) in a textile factory in Vietnam. Urine was collected for analysis of catecholamines and cortisol. The subjects were also asked to fill out a questionnaire. Each subject was examined over 2 working days. The workers in the noise group were asked to put earplugs in their ears during the working hours of the 2nd day. On the 1st day without earplugs, urinary excretion of catecholamines in the noise group were greater than those in the control group. Cortisol in urine showed a similar tendency. Differences in catecholamine excretion between the noise group and the control group decreased on the 2nd day when the earplugs were used for attenuation of noise level in the noise group. Frequency of subjective fatigue symptoms was lower on the 2nd day than that on the 1st day in noise group, while the control group showed almost no day-difference. The results indicate that the catecholamine response to noise in workers was reduced through the use of earplugs.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Noise levels and hearing ability of female workers in a textile factory in Vietnam.

Noise and hearing ability profiles were determined in a textile factory in Vietnam. Noise mapping done in the weaving section showed that the noise levels exceeded the Vietnamese standard of 90 dBA by as much as 9 dBA in some areas. Audiometric tests performed on 69 female workers from the weaving section revealed that workers with more than 10 years of noise exposure had the worst hearing threshold levels at 1,000 and 4,000 Hz. Similar findings were observed for workers greater than 35 years old. The 4,000 Hz notch, suggestive of exposure to intense noise, was noted in the audiograms of 26 subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Additive effect of smoking and cotton dust exposure on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of cotton textile workers.

One hundred and sixty-nine and 175 cotton textile workers (CTWs) were enrolled in the first (1991) and second (1996) surveys to investigate the prevalence of byssinosis. The synergistic effect of smoking on cotton dust exposure was also evaluated. Although the difference in prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function between the first (38.5%) and second study (38.9%) was not statistically significant, smokers had significantly higher frequency than nonsmokers in both surveys. A significant trend existed between the cotton dust levels and the frequency of abnormal lung function. The significant trend was also noted in both smokers and nonsmokers. The frequency of respiratory symptoms and the prevalence of severe byssinosis in the second survey (14.9% and 12.6%, respectively) were significantly lower than that in the first survey (39.7% and 21.9%, respectively). The reduction of symptoms was due to remodeling of this old cotton mill. The prevalences of respiratory symptoms and byssinosis in smokers being significantly higher than in nonsmokers only found in the first survey, but not found in the second survey. These results indicate that smoking potentiates the effect of cotton dust exposure on respiratory symptoms and byssinosis. The second study reveals high prevalence of byssinosis still existed in Taiwanese cotton mill, although the prevalence was declining. Smoking was found to show an additive effect on cotton dust exposure. Anti-smoking campaign, occupational health program to reduce the dust exposure, and periodical medical examination are measures to prevent from byssinosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of occupational environment in two textile plants in Northern India with specific reference to noise.

Occupational Noise exposure has been linked with a range of negative health effects by various researchers. The resulting injury of occupational hearing loss is also a well recognized and global problem. To protect workers from hearing damage due to noise exposure and other related health effects, a vast store of knowledge has been accumulated till date about its nature, etiology and time course. There is still ignorance, amongst majority of people working in industries in developing and third world countries including India about ill effects of exposure to high values of noise. The study being reported here has been carried out in two textile plants located in Northern Indian state of Punjab. Equivalent sound pressure level L(eq) has been measured in various sections of these plants with the help of a Class-I type digital sound level meter. The noise spectrum has been evaluated with the help of 1/3 octave filter set. A cross sectional study involving 112 workers exposed to different levels of occupational noise has been conducted. The results of the study establish the fact that noise level in certain sections of the plants i.e Loom Shed, Spinning, Ring Frame, TFO Area is more than the acceptable limit of 90 dBA for 8 h exposure stipulated by OSHA. The noise level in other sections like carding, blow room, combing etc., although is less than 90 dB(A), but is quite higher than limits used for assessment of noise for community response. Octave band analysis of the noise shows the presence of high sound level in 4,000 Hz frequency range, which can be a major reason for causing occupational hearing loss. The results of the interview questionnaire which included a number of parameters reveal the following; (i) only 29% workers are aware about the effects of noise on health (ii) 28% workers are using ear protectors (iii) the satisfaction with the working environment is related to noise level, as workers exposed to comparatively less noise level report better satisfaction (iv) 70% of the workers reported that high noise level causes speech interference (v) 42% workers report the noise to be annoying. The study thus demonstrates the presence of gross occupational noise exposure in both the plants and the author believes that occupational noise exposure and the related effects in India is a widespread problem.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis: electrostatic potentials generated on the surface of the human scrotum by wearing different types of fabric.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the electrostatic potentials generated on the surface of the scrotal area when different types of textile fabric were worn. Twenty-one healthy volunteers were divided into three equal groups. The first group was dressed in underpants made of 100% polyester, the second wore underpants of 100% cotton, and the third wore a 50/50% polyester/cotton mixture. With an electrostatic kilovoltmeter, the electrostatic potentials were measured 1 h after wearing the pants once during the day and a second time at night. The test was repeated 4 times, each on a separate day. No electrostatic potentials were detected on the cotton underpants. The polyester pants showed the highest potentials (mean 338.9 +/- 25 SD V/cm2), while the mixed polyester/cotton pants produced less than half that level (mean 148.3 +/- 16 SD V/cm2). The readings during the day were higher than those at night, probably due to the higher temperature during the day. This study could explain the cause of diminished spermatogenesis in dogs dressed in polyester pants. A new theory is put forward holding that the polyester underpants create an "electrostatic field" across the scrotal sac that disturbs the testicular and/or epididymal function.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Lung function, airway reactivity, and atopy in newly hired female cotton textile workers.

To assess changes in lung function and airway reactivity resulting from exposure to cotton dust, and the role of atopic status in these changes, the authors observed a group of 225 newly hired Chinese textile workers for 1 yr. All workers were female, lifelong nonsmokers, and none of them had been exposed previously to cotton or other occupational dust. Atopic status was determined at baseline. Spirometry, response to methacholine challenge, and total serum immunoglobulin E level were examined at baseline and again after subjects began work in the cotton mills. Obvious cross-shift drops in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1.0), and declines in forced vital capacity and FEV1.0 over 1 yr, were observed. Atopic workers had a significantly greater acute drop in FEV1.0 than did nonatopic workers. Both atopic and nonatopic workers had slightly increased airway reactivity at 1 yr, compared with baseline values. The results suggest that exposure to cotton dust is responsible for acute and longitudinal declines in lung function, as well as for slightly increased airway reactivity. Atopy may interact with cotton dust to accentuate the acute lung function response.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Rapid screening of textile dyes employed as affinity ligands to purify enzymes from yeast.

A rapid method for screening potential dye ligands for use in affinity chromatography is described. Textile dyes were non-covalently coupled to a cross-linked polysaccharide Sepharose(R) matrix. Yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was used as the model protein for evaluating the screening system. A homogenate from baker's yeast was used as the crude source of enzyme. Batchwise adsorption and elution were used to evaluate the individual dyes. The influence of pH and ionic strength in the binding and elution steps was evaluated. Batch isotherms were used to evaluate parameter characteristics. Experimental data obtained were fitted to Langmuir isotherms to determine the maximum binding capacity and the dissociation constant for each dye evaluated in this study. A dynamic binding capacity of 107.6 units of ADH/g of resin was determined for Procion Turquoise MXG dye by frontal analysis. Specific elution with NAD+ and non-specific elution with 50 mM Tris/HCl buffer, pH 8.5, were tested when Procion Turquoise MXG was used, giving purification factors of 53.5 and 4.4 respectively. This screening technique is inexpensive and can be performed in a few hours. It was possible to predict the performance of different reactive dyes in this way, and the influence of pH and salt on the binding behaviour was demonstrated.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1991

TRSA's (Textile Rental Association of America) strategic analysis of the industry for 1992.

Growth exceeding Gross National Product (GNP), strong competition, ongoing consolidation, and improving profitability--trends that have characterized the textile rental industry throughout the 1980s--continued in 1990. And despite a recession in the latter part of the year, the trends appear to be indicative of the decade ahead. The compelling question for the industry and the country is whether or not the recession is over, also unclear is the rate of recovery that can be anticipated. Economic assumptions, developed jointly by the Council of Economic Advisers, the U.S. Treasury, and Office of Management and Budget, show a resumption of economic growth in the latter half of 1991 with the pace accelerating into 1992. Real GNP growth is predicted to become about three percent annually by 1995-96, and to be accompanied by gradual declines in inflation and interest rates. This annual strategic analysis by TRSA officers and staff offers insights into industry trends as well as the issues affecting customers and the market place.

Bedding and Linens↗
PubMed1975

Mutagenic activity of anthraquinone derivatives used as dyes in a textile factory.

Some anthraquinone derivatives used as dyes in a textile factory have been tested for their mutagenic activity on the Ames' strains of Salmonella typhimurium. 1-amino-4-hydroxy-anthraquinone proved to be a mutagen of the frameshift type. It is active without need of metabolic activation. Studies are in progress in order to clarify if the mutagenic activity of other substituted anthraquinones, which do not act as direct mutagens, can become evident after metabolic activation. Further tests are needed to decide if substituted anthraquinones are hazardous for exposed people.

Anthraquinones↗
PubMed2000

[Bronchiolitis obliterans in a patient previously working as a printer in a textile factory].

We report the case of a 24-year-old man with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare clinical condition; the similarity to Ardystil syndrome was striking. Relevant occupational history included work in a textile air-brushing factory. Also noteworthy were lesions observed by CT scan in the form of cystic formations measuring less than 1 cm, a finding not previously described in the context of bronchiolitis obliterans. The patient improved immediately after starting corticoid treatment although scans failed to improve over several months of follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Occupational environment as perceived by workers at a textile mill in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia.

This cross sectional study was conducted among textile mill workers in Bahir Dar town in 1995/96. The main objective of the study was to investigate how workers perceive their work environment and explore their state of satisfaction with their work. A pretested questionnaire was administered by trained health workers to 394 production workers. The majority of the workers (53.6%) claimed the work environment to be hot. For 66.8%, the physical conditions around the working departments was worst during the hot season. The work place was perceived as dusty and noisy by 47.2% and 36.0% of the respondents respectively. The distribution of adverse environmental complaint by work department was not the same. A higher proportion of the workers in the spinning department complained of inadequate air movement (64.5%) and dusty work place (53.3%); whereas those in the weaving department complained the work place to be hot and noisy (60.5%, 53.5% respectively). Aprons were used by 95.7%, but other personal protectors such as ear protectors, gloves and goggles were used rarely. In general, 228 (57.9%) workers were satisfied but the rest were dissatisfied with their work environment. In order to improve the hygienic conditions in the work place, 71.2% suggested use of different kinds of personal protectors. In conclusion, personal protectors should always be used, environmental hygiene should be conducted and health education should be provided to workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Talking rot ... and mildew on textiles.

Nature has evolved some very elegant elementary mechanisms for re-cycling of organic substances in the environment. These processes are normally beneficial. This article describes why microorganisms may attack textiles during production and in use, causing financial losses, and what can be done to prevent this happening.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Noise-induced hearing loss among textile workers in Lagos metropolis.

A cross-sectional sample of 204 textile workers was selected randomly from all sections (including the non-production areas), and was initially screened to exclude subjects with pathological middle ear as well as those currently working in sections classified as non-noise but who had been exposed to excessive noise in the past. A total of 17 workers were thus excluded leaving 187 who were then assessed by means of air-conduction and bone-conduction audiograms obtained by the use of a manual (medicor-SA 3L), pure-tone audiometer. All audiometric tests were preceded by an otological examination to rule out the presence of any significant aural pathological conditions. The subjects were divided into 3 groups, based on the noise levels observed at their worksites using a Bruel and Kjaer type 2225 (integrating) sound level meter viz: the noise-exposed group (noise levels > 90 dBA); the less-noise-exposed group (noise levels 85-90 dBA); and the non-noise-exposed group (noise levels < 85 dBA). A comparative analysis of the data on hearing threshold levels of the 3 groups showed that the noise-exposed group had significantly (P < 0.05) elevated hearing threshold levels at all frequencies and in each age group, although the maximal threshold shifts were observed at the 4000 Hz frequency. Also, the hearing threshold levels for the noise-exposed group increased with the duration of noise exposure. The study clearly showed the deleterious effects of uncontrolled occupational noise exposure on unprotected workers. A very high prevalence rate of noise-induced hearing loss (79.8%) was recorded for the noise-exposed group. The less-noise-exposed group recorded a comparatively low figure of 11.3%. The weaving section alone recorded the highest prevalence rate of 84.5%, followed very closely by the spinning section with 71.0%. The lowest prevalence rate (2.9%) was recorded for the administrative staff.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Prevalence and incidence of HIV-1 infection among employees of a large textile business and their wives in Kinshasa, 1991-1996].

BACKGROUND: The Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing a critical economic situation for several years, resulting in a favorable context for the spread of HIV-infection. A study was performed in a large textile factory in Kinshasa, to determine prevalence and incidence of HIV-infection among employees and their wives. METHODS: From February to November 1996, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 2010 employees (1859 males, 151 females) of the factory and their 1198 female partners. Participants responded to a structured questionnaire and HIV testing was performed after an informed consent was obtained in a pre-test counselling session. Using a reconstituted population of 1580 employees (1502 males, 78 females) and their 806 female partners (all HIV-seronegative in 1990), we determined the HIV incidence between 1990 and 1996. Employees included manual workers, middle managers and senior managers. RESULTS: Overall prevalence and incidence rates were 2.1% (95% CI=1.6%-2.6%) and 0.16/100 persons-years (95% CI=0.09-0.22) respectively. Reported condom use was associated with HIV infection in men (OR=2.5; 95% CI=1.2-5.3) and their spouces (OR=1; 95% CI=0.02-10.7) and with a history of urethral discharge in men (OR=4.1; 95% CI=1-30.1). The HIV incidence between 1990 and 1996 was 0,2/100 person-years (95% CI=0.1-0.2). The seroconversion risk increased from manual workers to senior managers (chi-square for linear trend=12.9; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the deterioration of health services and the economical instability in Kinshasa, HIV prevalence and incidence rates in this factory were much lower than rates observed in factories in same East and Southern African countries. Comparative prospective studies using a similar methodology are needed to better understand the reasons for these differences.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗