Abstract:
To ascertain the effects of exposure to tea dust this study was undertaken with the assistance
of the world health organization. The study was restricted to estimation of the prevalence
rate of chronic respiratory illnesses and the ventilatory function of workers engaged in tea
blending. The workers exposed to tea dust had a statistically significant higher prevalence
rate of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, chronic bronchitis, asthma and dyspnoea. The
highest prevalence rates were seen in the workers who had been exposed to tea dust for over
twenty years. The duration of exposure had a significant effect on the prevalence rate of
chronic respiratory symptoms. The study did not reveal any effect of smoking on the
prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. The study failed to show any relationship
between the reduction in ventilatory function during shift and the duct levels to which the
workers were exposed. There were many limitations in the duct concentration estimation.
Exposure to tea dust causes disabling respiratory illnesses. Good occupational hygiene
practice to reduce the dust level to protect the workers should be emphasized. Preemployment and periodic medical examination is vital in identifying sensitive individuals
and protecting against long-term effects of tea dus
