The authors examined within the framework of a crosse-sectional epidemiological study 157 workers in a textile mill working mainly with flax yarn. The objective was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and level of pulmonary function with regard to the general dustiness and microbiological characteristics of the atmosphere. On examination an anamnestic respiratory questionnaire was used based on the questionaire of the British Research Council supplemented by questions concerning working problems and identification of byssinosis. All workers were subjected to a basic spirometric examination. All-shift dust concentra-tions varied between 1.5 to 5.9 mg/m3, the mean number of microbes per 1 m3 of the atmosphere was 1994 colonies whereby conditioned pathogens of the genus Nocardia, Aspergillus, Alternaria and Mucor were detected. At least one symptom associated with the occupation was reported by 26% of the examined subjects, symptoms of rhinitis and cough dominated. Byssinotic complaints were reported by 3.2% subjects. Chronic bronchitis (according to WHO) was recorded in 17.8% of the examined subjects, whereby it was significantly more frequent in smokers. Respiratory symptoms were significantly more frequent in the investigated group than in controls formed by a group of workers from an electroengineering plant. The mean values of the investigated ventilation parameters were within the normal range, their level correlated with smoking habits. With regard to the frequent incidence of respiratory symptoms even in an environment where hygienic limits for dustiness were not markedly trespassed their shift to lower values seems indicated.

        Key words: textile, textile workers, respiratory symptoms, byssinosis