Lung Function Surveillance and Its Implications for Occupational Health Policy in Cotton Textile Workers in Kano, North West Nigeria

Background: Cotton dust inhalation in textile manufacturing environments is a well-established cause of byssinosis and occupational obstructive lung disease. Kano hosts several of Nigeria's largest textile factories, and the lung health of their workforce has implications for both individual wellbeing and national productivity. Systematic lung function surveillance data to inform occupational health policy are lacking. Objectives: This study aims to conduct standardised spirometric surveillance among cotton textile workers in Kano, characterise the prevalence and severity of ventilatory defects, and assess the adequacy of existing occupational health policies in mitigating dust-related respiratory risk. Methods: One hundred and fifty textile workers and fifty unexposed administrative staff will be recruited. Spirometry will be performed using an EasyOne Plus spirometer following ATS protocols. Cotton dust concentration will be estimated using personal sampling pumps. A validated byssinosis symptom questionnaire will be administered. Regression modelling will identify predictors of spirometric abnormality. Expected Outcomes: A significant proportion of exposed workers are anticipated to demonstrate obstructive patterns, with dust concentration above permissible exposure limits in most sampling zones, reflecting inadequate policy enforcement. Conclusion: Findings will constitute evidence for regulatory review of occupational exposure limits in Nigeria's textile industry. Keywords: cotton dust, byssinosis, spirometry, occupational health policy, Kano textile workers.