Abstract
Respiratory and allergic symptoms were evaluated in 66 Iranian carpet weavers and 66 controls with similar age and gender characteristics using a questionnaire including questions on work-related respiratory symptoms in the past year, allergies, smoking habits, and work exposure duration. A total of 28 carpet weavers (42%) reported work-related respiratory symptoms. Incidences of all respiratory symptoms and most allergic symptoms were significantly higher in carpet weavers than in controls (p < 0.05−p < 0.001). Moreover, most respiratory and allergic symptoms in carpet weavers were significantly more prominent during working hours (p < 0.01−p < 0.001). Pulmonary function test results of the carpet weavers showed significant impairment compared with controls (p < 0.05−p < 0.001).