A NIOSH-indexed study of 404 jute workers reported dust concentrations of 1.5–48.5 mg/m3, higher respiratory-symptom prevalence, abnormal spirometry, and dust exposure as a significant risk factor for abnormal FEV1.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Respiratory symptoms and lung function in jute processing workers: a primary investigation ↗Dust entry
Jute dust
Vegetable-fiber dust generated during jute softening, spinning, and weaving.
Airborne form
fiber
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
coughbronchitischest tightnessdyspneaabnormal FEV1abnormal FVCrespiratory disease
Evidence
A WHO/NIOSH monograph reports that jute processing dust has been associated with persistent cough and phlegm, acute across-shift decreases in FEV1 and FVC, and airway obstruction, while stating that available evidence did not show byssinosis or establish permanent respiratory impairment.
Source: pdf ↗ · saved source
page 14 · Jute and hard hemps · 2
page 14 · Jute and hard hemps · 2
The processing of jute fibers obtained from the stem of the plant, releases dust which in some populations has caused a high prevalence of persistent cough and phlegm, without symptoms of byssinosis. Jute workers have an acute decrement of FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC), during the shift but no studies have yet reported permanent respiratory impairment. ... Present evidence indicates that these dusts cause airways obstruction but not byssinosis.
Controls
- enclosed softening and spinning
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust collection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection