Distinguishing byssinosis from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results of a prospective five-year study of cotton mill workers in India.

This prospective 5-yr follow-up study of 1,241 textile workers from three mills was designed to determine the pattern and course of byssinosis in India and to distinguish this disease from chronic bronchitis. The initial prevalence of byssinosis was 14% in carding sections, 10% in spinning sections, and 11% in winding sections. In these dusty sections, the prevalences of both byssinosis and bronchitis increased with a longer service.