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Airborne fungi and endotoxin concentrations in different areas within textile plants in Taiwan: a 3-year study.

Bioaerosols have been found in many occupational environments, including animal feeding houses, poultry slaughter houses, and cotton textile plants. This study was undertaken to examine a group of bioaerosols, the endotoxins, fungi, and bacteria, inside two textile factories over 3 years in Taiwan, where temperature and humidity are usually high year-round. Airborne dust was collected with filter cassettes attached to personal pumps and analyzed by the Kinetic Limulus Assay with Resistant-parallel-line Estimation. For fungi and bacteria determination, samples were collected using duplicated single-stage impactors, and organisms were counted after incubation. Endotoxin was the major contamination inside textile plants. Indoor levels were substantially higher than outdoor concentrations by 63- to 278-fold. The average values of fungi inside and outside the plants were not significantly different. Airborne bacteria levels were higher inside the plants as compared to outside. The carding sites, using only cotton, had extremely high endotoxin levels, greater than those at sites using synthetic fibers. Cotton, may be a major source of endotoxin contamination. In conclusion, the early stage of textile processing seems to generate high endotoxin and bacteria contamination. Priorities should be given to occupational hygiene programs for workers at various sites in textile plants.

Aerosols↗

Carcinogenicity of chrysotile asbestos: a case control study of textile workers.

Chrysotile is the predominant type of asbestos used in the United States and thus represents the most important source of exposure to asbestos already in place. While the steepest exposure-response observed for lung cancer has been in workers exposed to chrysotile in textile operations, some argue that chrysotile is less carcinogenic than amphibole asbestos types. Mineral oil exposures have been hypothesized to be responsible for the highly elevated lung cancer risk seen in textile workers. A lung cancer case-control analysis among a cohort of South Carolina chrysotile asbestos textile workers was conducted. Only a modest reduction in the slope of the lung cancer exposure-response relationship was observed after controlling for mineral oil exposures. These data do not support mineral oil exposure as a plausible explanation for the elevated lung cancer risk seen in chrysotile asbestos textile workers. The possible role of longer, thinner, more carcinogenic fibers in textiles is one plausible hypothesis needing further investigation.

Asbestos↗

Effect of textile effluents on growth performance of wheat cultivars.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effect of different concentrations in the range of 0-100% textile effluents (untreated and treated) on seed germination (%), delay index (DI), plant shoot length and root length, plant biomass, chlorophyll content and carotenoid of three different cultivars of wheat. The textile effluent did not show any inhibitory effect on seed germination at low concentration (6.25%). The other reported plant parameters also followed the similar trend. Seeds germinated in undiluted effluents did not survive for longer period. Based on the tolerance to textile effluent, the wheat cultivars have been arranged in the following order: PBW-343 < PBW-373 < WH-147. It has also been concluded that effect of the textile effluent is cultivar specific and due care should be taken before using the textile effluent for irrigation purpose.

Biomass↗

Liquid chromatography determination of natural dyes in extracts from historical Scottish textiles excavated from peat bogs.

Textiles excavated from Scottish sites belonging now to the collections of the National Museums of Scotland, including seventeenth century textiles from peat bogs in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, were selected for analysis by high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (PDA HPLC) to detect whether any dyes remained and, if so, to identify their biological sources. Dye components were identified in 36 of the 81 samples analysed. Although it was not possible to identify the exact sources of the dyestuffs because of the wide-spread occurrence of these natural dyes components, the study has shown that textiles previously not thought to have been coloured had detectable traces of dye. Before the historical textiles were analyzed, an improved extraction procedure that combined the routine acid hydrolysis method with one using dimethylformamide (DMF) was applied. The DMF method enabled increased recovery of major flavonoid and anthraquinoid compounds, and very high efficiency of recovery of indigotin even in textiles with no colour visible, thereby complementing the acid hydrolysis method already in use. Extracts from historical thread samples were analysed by PDA HPLC using a reversed-phase gradient system comprising of a C18 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 25 +/- 1 degrees C) with water, methanol and o-phosphoric acid at an eluent flow rate of 1.2 ml/min. A preliminary investigation to improve the detection limits further for a selection of natural dyes was made by comparing results from the 4.6mm internal diameter (i.d.) column with a narrow bore C18 column (2.1 mm i.d.). An increase in the detector response was observed for narrow-bore column proving its possibility of enhancement of sensitivity.

Animals↗

Combined treatment of textile effluent using the sequence Phanerochaete chrysosporium-ozone.

Textile effluents cause a high environmental impact when released into the environment without correct treatment. In this work, we have evaluated the capacity of treatment of a textile effluent using a biological and a chemical method using the sequence Phanerochaete chrysosporium-ozone. The fungal treatment was performed by direct incubation of a fungus spore suspension in textile effluent for nine days. Then, the effluent was ozonized at pH 11 and room temperature. Color, total organic carbon, molecular mass distribution and total phenols were determined. In biological experiments, enzymatic activity (lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase) were also monitored. Toxicity tests were carried out with Scenedesmus subspicatus and with Escherichia coli. Good decoloration, total phenols reduction and textile effluent molecular mass reduction were obtained during the process. No significant total organic carbon reduction was observed. The toxicity of the textile effluent was reduced with both test organisms showing no inhibition at the end of the treatment.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Electroactive polymer-based devices for e-textiles in biomedicine.

This paper describes the early conception and latest developments of electroactive polymer (EAP)-based sensors, actuators, electronic components, and power sources, implemented as wearable devices for smart electronic textiles (e-textiles). Such textiles, functioning as multifunctional wearable human interfaces, are today considered relevant promoters of progress and useful tools in several biomedical fields, such as biomonitoring, rehabilitation, and telemedicine. After a brief outline on ongoing research and the first products on e-textiles under commercial development, this paper presents the most highly performing EAP-based devices developed by our lab and other research groups for sensing, actuation, electronics, and energy generation/storage, with reference to their already demonstrated or potential applicability to electronic textiles.

Biomedical Engineering↗

Physiological comfort of biofunctional textiles.

Statistics show that the wear comfort is the most important property of clothing demanded by users and consumers. Hence, biofunctional textiles only have a high market potential, if they are comfortable. In this work it is shown how the thermophysiological and skin sensorial wear comfort of biofunctional textiles can be measured effectively by means of the Skin Model and skin sensorial test apparatus. From these measurements, wear comfort votes can be predicted, assessing a textile's wear comfort in practice. These wear comfort votes match exactly the subjective perceptions of test persons. As a result validated by wearer trials with human test subjects, biofunctional textiles can offer the same good wear comfort as classical, non-biofunctional materials. On the other hand, some of the biofunctional treatments lead to a perceivably poorer wear comfort. In particular, the skin sensorial comfort is negatively affected by hydrophobic, smooth (flat) surfaces that easily cling to sweat-wetted skin, or which tend to make textiles stiffer. As guidelines for the improvement of the thermophysiological or skin sensorial wear comfort, it is recommended to use hydrophilic treatments in a suitable concentration and spun yarns instead of filaments.

Clothing↗

Use of textiles in atopic dermatitis: care of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease which usually starts during the first years of life. In the management of AD, the correct approach requires a combination of multiple treatments to identify and eliminate trigger factors, and to improve the alteration of the skin barrier. In this article we try to explain the importance of skin care in the management of AD in relation to the use of textiles: they may be useful to improve disrupted skin but they are also a possible cause of triggering or worsening the lesions. Garments are in direct contact with the skin all day long, and for this reason it is important to carefully choose suitable fabrics in atopic subjects who have disrupted skin. Owing to their hygienic properties fabrics produced from natural fibres are preferential. Wool fibres are frequently used in human clothes but are irritant in direct contact with the skin. Wool fibre has frequently been shown to be irritant to the skin of atopic patients, and for this reason wool intolerance was included as a minor criterion in the diagnostic criteria of AD by Hanifin and Rajka in 1980. Cotton is the most commonly used textile for patients with AD; it has wide acceptability as clothing material because of its natural abundance and inherent properties like good folding endurance, better conduction of heat, easy dyeability and excellent moisture absorption. Silk fabrics help to maintain the body temperature by reducing the excessive sweating and moisture loss that can worsen xerosis. However, the type of silk fabric generally used for clothes is not particularly useful in the care and dressing of children with AD since it reduces transpiration and may cause discomfort when in direct contact with the skin. A new type of silk fabric made of transpiring and slightly elastic woven silk is now commercially available (Microair Dermasilk) and may be used for the skin care of children with AD. The presence of increased bacterial colonization has been demonstrated in patients with AD. Such colonization has been included in the group of trigger factors for eczema in AD. Silver products have recently been demonstrated to offer two advantages in the control of bacterial infections. Textiles may be used not only for clothes, but also to prevent dust mite sensitization in atopic patients. A marked clinical improvement of AD was observed in a group of adults and children with positive skin tests (not necessarily towards mites), after an intensive eradication programme for mite allergens. Skin treatment with acaricide and house dust mite control measures can decrease AD symptoms. Different textiles have various potential worsening links with allergies: e.g. clothing has been proposed as an additional source of exposure to mite and cat allergens. On the other hand, special textiles can be used to prevent dust mite sensitization.

Allergens↗

Polyester but not cotton or wool textiles inhibit hair growth.

The effect of different types of textile fabrics on hair growth was investigated in 40 mongrel dogs divided into 5 groups. An area of 10 x 20 cm on the dog's back was shaved; half of this area was covered by a textile patch of 100% polyester material in the 1st group, 100% cotton in the 2nd group, 100% wool in the 3rd group and a 50%/50% polyester/cotton blend in the 4th group. The remaining half of the shaved area in the 4 groups as well as the whole area in the 5th group (control) were left uncovered. The textile patch was worn for 2 months. The polyester-covered hair grew at a significantly lower rate and density than in the uncovered area of the same animal and the controls (p < 0.01). The hair color was similar to that of the surrounding uncovered hair. This is in contrast to cotton- and wool-covered skin area which showed nonsignificant differences in hair density, growth rate and color (p > 0.05) against the uncovered area and controls. In the polyester-covered skin, a thinning of the epidermis of the skin was noted microscopically with fragmentation and vacuolation of the hair follicle pulp. The study has shown that the polyester material generated electrostatic potentials, which may have inhibited hair growth, whereas cotton and woolen textiles did not. Friction between the polyester textile and the skin generates electrostatic charges which are suggested to create an 'electrostatic field' that seems to be responsible for the inhibited hair growth.

Animals↗

Comparison of genotoxicity of textile dyestuffs in Salmonella mutagenicity assay, in vitro micronucleus assay, and single cell gel/comet assay.

The mutagenicity of textile dyes is an important consideration for the assurance of consumer protection and work safety. The mutagenicity testing of textile dyestuffs is crucial for accurately predicting health risks for consumers and workers exposed to dyes. Unfortunately, these data are often lacking. We studied the genotoxic activity of ten selected commercial textile dyestuffs, which are made up of mixtures of azo dyes and azo metal complex dyes as well as two anthraquinone dyestuffs. We used the Salmonella mutagenicity assay and cultured human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line). In the S. typhimurium strain TA98, with and without S9, eight often dyestuffs investigated, and in strain TA 100, with and without S9, six often dyes caused frameshift mutations and base-pair substitutions in the dose range of 1-5000 microg/plate in a dose-related manner. All dyes, including those negative in the Salmonella mutagenicity assay, induced clastogenic effects in the in vitro micronucleus (MN) test in HaCaT cells as direct-acting mutagens in the concentration range of 5-150 microg/mL and with maximum MN frequencies between 1.1 and 7.2%, compared to negative controls that showed 0.2-0.4% MN cells. In the single cell gel/comet assay, all ten dyestuffs investigated caused DNA damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. The alkaline (pH >13) version used is capable of detecting DNA single strand breaks, alkali-labile sites, and DNA-DNA/DNA-protein cross-linking. Under the conditions of these screening tests, the textile dyes investigated are direct-acting genotoxic substances. The HaCaT cells testing protocol proposed has been shown to be an appropriate test system for evaluating mutagenicity of textile dyes on a base level.

Coloring Agents↗

Lung cancer among textile workers in the Prato area of Italy.

The association between lung cancer and occupational exposure in the textile industry was investigated in a population-based case-referent study conducted in the Prato area of the province of Florence (Italy) where there is a concentration of textile factories. A complete response to a postal questionnaire was obtained for 207 cases (85.1%) and 440 referents (76.1%). Those who had ever worked in the textile industry had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.45 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0-2.1]; when nine different textile job titles were considered, an increased OR was observed only for rag sorters (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.8) and weavers (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7). Analysis by different "time windows" showed an OR of 3.0 (95% CI 1.6-5.8) for rag sorters at work in the 1950s and an OR of 2.8 (95% CI 1.5-5.0) for weavers at work in the 1970s. This result supports the suggestion of two different carcinogenic exposures in the Prato textile industry (asbestos and mineral oils).

Animals↗

Respiratory disease in cotton textile workers in the People's Republic of China. I. Respiratory symptoms.

The prevalence of byssinosis and nonspecific respiratory symptoms was studied in 887 textile workers with at least two years of employment in two cotton mills and one silk mill in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China. A standardized respiratory questionnaire was used, and environmental sampling was performed with vertical elutriators and colorimeter grading. Eight percent of the cotton textile workers complained of byssinosis. The reports of byssinosis were mostly mild (grade 1/2), more prevalent among women, and unrelated to duration of employment or elutriator dust levels. Nonspecific respiratory symptoms were significantly more prevalent among cotton textile workers than silk workers. After adjustment for age, gender, and smoking in logistic regression models, the odds ratios for the effect of working in cotton textile mills on chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and frequent chest illness were 3.3, 2.9 and 4.7, respectively. Although none of the symptoms were related to current dust levels, the range of exposures was narrow, and information was only available on current levels of cotton dust. This study represents the first respiratory survey of the textile industry in China using diagnostic criteria similar to that used in the United States and England; it defines a cohort for prospective investigation.

Adult↗

Toxicity-based criteria for the evaluation of textile wastewater treatment efficiency.

Brazilian textile mills import wastewater treatment technologies, performances of which are generally evaluated only on a physicochemical basis. Thus, a battery of bioassays was used to evaluate the performance of an ozonation system to treat textile effluents. Comparative toxicological profiles for bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), algae (Scenedesmus subspicatus), daphnia (Daphnia magna), fish (Poecilia reticulata), and plants (soybean--Glycine max, rice--Oryza sativa, and wheat--Triticum aestivum), as well as genotoxic effects (Vicia faba micronucleus assay), are presented for both raw and ozonated textile effluents. The relative sensitivity of bioassays (or end points) to textile effluents found in this study in decreasing order was plant enzymes > bacteria > algae daphnids approximately = plant biomass approximately = germination rate > fish. No significant genotoxic effect was found. We have concluded that ozonation was relatively effective in reducing toxicity of textile effluents. Bioassays used in this study proved to be sensitive and reliable tools for determining the toxicity of industrial effluents, and thus they can be used to evaluate emerging technology efficiency.

Animals↗

Byssinosis among male textile workers in Pondicherry: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In India, 20 million workers are involved in the manufacturing of textiles. However, there are few epidemiological studies from India that have assessed the magnitude or the risk factors associated with byssinosis. In Pondicherry, textile mills have been in existence for over a century. This case-control study aimed to find the factors associated with the development of byssinosis in textile workers. METHODS: The sample consisted of 761 men above the age of 30 years who had worked for at least 10 years in a textile factory. All the respondents were interviewed by a pretested questionnaire to gather information regarding the symptoms of byssinosis, certain personal characteristics and occupational history. Byssinosis was identified using the classification proposed by the World Health Organization. Two age-matched controls were selected for each case. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of the factors for symptomatic byssinosis showed that dusty worksites, heavy smoking and duration of service > or = 30 years were significant. Logistic regression analysis showed that working in the spinning (odds ratio 6.1) and weaving sections (odds ratio 1.9), heavy smoking (odds ratio 3.9) and > or = 30 years of service (odds ratio 2.0) were independent significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: Efforts to reduce dust levels in the working environment and to discourage smoking among textile workers need to be strengthened to minimize the risk of developing byssinosis.

Byssinosis↗

Smart textiles.

After technical textiles and functional textiles, also smart textiles came into force a few years ago. The term 'smart textiles' covers a broad range. The application possibilities are only limited by our imagination and creativity. In this presentation, it is further explored what smart textiles precisely mean. In a second part, an analysis is made of the possibilities, the state of affairs and the needs for further research.

Computer Communication Networks↗

[Allergic and irritative textile dermatitis].

Textile dermatitis is only one example of adverse health effects due to clothing. It may present with a wide spectrum of clinical features, but the main mechanisms are irritant dermatitis, often observed in atopics intolerant to wool and synthetic fibers, and allergic contact dermatitis, usually caused by textile finishes and dyes. The newer azo dyes Disperse Blue 106 and 124 in particular are potent sensitizers that have caused significant problems, most recently in the form of "leggins dermatitis". Although severe textile dermatitis appears to be a rare event, more systematic population-based research is needed since many oligosymptomatic cases are probably overlooked. Criteria for healthy textiles are an optimum combination of efficacy (regulation of skin temperature and humidity and protection from environmental damage) and safety (lack of carcinogenicity, toxicity and allergenicity). If potentially allergenic substances are used in textiles, they should be declared as in the case of cosmetics.

Coloring Agents↗

Dynamics of biological and chemical parameters during vermicomposting of solid textile mill sludge mixed with cow dung and agricultural residues.

In India, thousands of tons of textile mill sludge are produced every year. We studied the ability of epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida to transform textile mill sludge mixed with cow dung and/or agricultural residues into value added product, i.e., vermicompost. The growth, maturation, mortality, cocoon production, hatching success and the number of hatchlings were monitored in a range of different feed mixtures for 11 weeks in the laboratory under controlled environmental conditions. The maximum growth and reproduction was obtained in 100% cow dung, but worms grew and reproduced favorably in 80% cow dung + 20% solid textile mill sludge and 70% cow dung + 30% solid textile mill sludge also. Addition of agricultural residues had adverse effects on growth and reproduction of worms. Vermicomposting resulted in significant reduction in C:N ratio and increase in TKN, TP, TK and TCa after 77 days of worm activity in all the feeds. Vermicomposting can be an alternate technology for the management of textile mill sludge if mixed with cow dung in appropriate quantities.

Animals↗

The removal of textile dyes by diatomite earth.

The adsorption of some textile dyes by diatomite was investigated using Sif Blau BRF (SB), Everzol Brill Red 3BS (EBR), and Int Yellow 5GF (IY). Adsorption of these textile dyes onto diatomite earth samples was studied by batch adsorption techniques at 30 degrees C. The adsorption behavior of textile dyes on diatomite samples was investigated using a UV-vis spectrophotometric technique. The effect of particle size of diatomite, diatomite concentration, the effect of initial dye concentrations, and shaking time on adsorption was investigated. Adsorption coverage over the surface of diatomite was studied using two well-known isotherm models: Langmuir's and Freundlich's. These results suggest that the dye uptake process mediated by diatomite has a potential for large-scale treatment of textile mill discharges. According to the equilibrium studies, the selectivity sequence can be given as IY > SB > EBR. Values of the removal efficiency of the dyes ranged from 28.60 to 99.23%. These results show that natural diatomite holds great potential to remove textile dyes from wastewater.

Journal Article↗