{"id":4478,"date":"2025-10-22T15:05:01","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T08:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mekonggarment.com\/?p=4478"},"modified":"2025-12-25T22:04:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T15:04:04","slug":"safety-and-health-in-the-textile-and-garment-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mekonggarment.com\/zh\/safety-and-health-in-the-textile-and-garment-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety and Health in the Textile and Garment Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we know, the textile and garment industry fundamentally involves many processes \u2013 spinning fiber, weaving cloth, dyeing, printing, finishing and more \u2013 all of which are essential to turn raw fiber into finished fabric or clothing. At the same time, this industry is accompanied by numerous safety and health concerns. Specifically, these issues include exposure to cotton dust and other organic dust, handling of numerous chemicals in fabric dyeing, the ergonomic stress on musculoskeletal systems, exposure to noise, and other worker-health concerns. This article helps you understand each of these issues in detail.<\/p>\n

Safety & Health Issues in the Garment Industry<\/h2>\n

Exposure to Dust and Fabric Dust<\/h3>\n

During spinning and fiber-handling, cotton tends<\/a> to generate dust, sometimes mixed with pesticide residues and soil. These airborne particles can enter workers\u2019 lungs, potentially leading to serious lung conditions the most common being \u201cbrown lung\u201d. It has also been observed that workers exposed to cotton dust tend to suffer from chronic cough.<\/p>\n

=> Related Article:<\/strong> Safe Chemical Transfer Process in the Garment Industry<\/a><\/p>\n

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Chronic cough differs from ordinary asthma in that the cough lasts for more than three months. Due to inhalation of cotton dust that causes allergic reactions and throat irritation, dry cough results. One particular study by A V Hinson, involving 656 workers exposed and 113 non-exposed workers, found that nearly 7.2% experienced chest constriction and 9.9% had breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n

Exposure to Chemicals<\/h3>\n

The relationship between dyes\/finishing chemicals (for cleaning, softening and finishing fabrics<\/a>)<\/em> often involves exposure to certain chemicals. These include benzidine, optical brighteners, solvents and fixatives, formaldehyde and various antibacterial agents. When exposed to formaldehyde, it may lead to brain cancer, lung cancer, blood cancers. It is not necessary to have direct skin contact simply inhaling these chemicals can cause serious health issues.<\/p>\n

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For instance, dimethylformamide (used in aramid fibers) is a solvent with good performance, used in large shares of military-grade fabrics. N,N-Dimethylformamide is deemed toxic to many animals (cats, rabbits, rats). It is a known carcinogen, wholly responsible for liver toxicity, and also affects female reproductive systems and leads to many birth defects. For instance, ethylene glycol<\/strong> (commonly used in polyester fiber production) is a solvent that helps create smooth, durable, and wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Although it is much less toxic than dimethylformamide, prolonged exposure without proper ventilation<\/strong> can still cause mild irritation to the eyes and throat. Therefore, maintaining good air circulation is recommended to ensure worker safety.<\/p>\n

Exposure to Noise<\/h3>\n

In the textile industry, noise is defined as any unwanted sound. If noise levels are high, especially in production areas, it can cause lifelong hearing loss. The main types of noise include continuous<\/a> noise, impact noise, and intermittent noise. Exposure to higher than usual noise levels is common in the textile industry. In the spinning and weaving sections, they generate very high noise levels.<\/p>\n

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This may even lead to hearing loss and many other problems, such as sleep disorders, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, absenteeism, irritability, changes in heart rate and blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Some Other Issues<\/h3>\n

These problems are especially common in many developing countries, where many workers must labour in unsafe and unhealthy conditions: cramped working spaces, inadequate lighting and ventilation. Many garment-industry workers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain.<\/p>\n

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Ways to Address These Issues<\/h2>\n

Improving safety and health in the textile and garment industry requires a mix of engineering controls<\/strong>, management commitment<\/strong>, and worker awareness<\/strong>. Each risk\u2014whether from dust, chemicals, noise, or ergonomic strain\u2014can be minimized through a systematic and proactive approach. Below are key measures factories should take to protect workers and create a healthier workplace.<\/p>\n

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Control of Dust and Air Quality<\/h3>\n

Dust generated during spinning, weaving, and cutting can be reduced by:<\/p>\n