The impact of cotton dust from the textiles industry on both the environment and human health is a critical issue that often goes unnoticed. This problem holds significant implications, given its lack of resale value and the associated challenges. However, there are sustainable approaches that can be employed to address this issue, as highlighted by Vishaka Agarwal.

In India, the textiles industry stands as the second-largest sector. The projected increase of approximately 10 percent in apparel and cotton exports from India is attributed to political instability, rising wages, and suboptimal workplace conditions in other textile-producing nations. Presently, India's textile exports account for 4.5 percent of the global market share. The nation houses around 1,850 textile units, contributing to the substantial release of textile waste that necessitates responsible recycling and reuse practices.

Given the escalating levels of environmental pollution, proper recycling and reuse of industrial waste have gained paramount importance. The textiles industry generates diverse forms of waste—solid, liquid, and gaseous—that demand appropriate treatment to transform them into environmentally benign forms.

A report by Aiswarya S and Amsamani S titled "Recycling Textile Waste - Newer Dimension" reveals that in India, an annual cotton fiber consumption of 26 lakh tonnes generates 2,10,000 tonnes of willow dust. The issue of cotton dust has gained significance due to its lack of resale value.

Cotton dust, a byproduct of cotton processing in the textiles sector, accumulates in substantial quantities annually. This fine dust poses health hazards for workers, as continuous inhalation can lead to severe bronchial diseases. Additionally, burning cotton dust releases considerable heat into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental degradation and global warming.

The Problem of Cotton Dust:

Cotton dust refers to the very short fibers that cannot be utilized in any textile application. This micro-dust negatively impacts the atmosphere and emits unpleasant odors. Much of this dust is disposed of through burning, which in turn releases carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming. Moreover, when this waste decays in water, it emits noxious gases, further compromising the environment. Thus, an alternative solution must be explored to ensure sustainable disposal of this hazardous waste. Given that cotton dust mainly comprises organic materials and is generated in significant volumes, it is imperative to identify pathways for its sustainable recycling and reuse.

Cotton dust primarily consists of 50-80 percent fiber fragments, leaf and husk fragments, 10-25 percent sand, and some water-soluble materials. These particles vary in size, with breathable dust (below 15mm) posing a particular threat to human lung health.

In conclusion, the issue of cotton dust in the textiles industry has wide-ranging consequences for both the environment and human well-being. Exploring sustainable methods of addressing this problem is vital to minimize its adverse effects and contribute to a healthier, more eco-friendly future.

The effect of cotton dust on the health of workers


Cotton dust is generated in various sections of the yarn manufacturing process causes breathing problems to workers. As humans can breathe in particles of particular size and beyond a certain limit of inhalation, the breathing tract and lungs are affected. If the exposure is for a longer period then the workers suffer from diseases associated with the continuous inhalation: Byssinosis or "brown lung "disease which may lead to damage of the respiratory system.

As per OSHA's Air Contaminant Standard, the permissible exposure limits (PEL) are average exposures measured over an eight hour workday. The threshold limit value is 1 mg/m3. From the study, it was found that the concentration of cotton dust ranged from 1.20mg/ m3 in the carding section to 7.1mg/ m3 in the opening section. As this is much above the threshold limit, these textile mill workers often suffer from lung diseases which arise out of blocking of the breathing tracts.


Sustainable conversion of cotton dust


There are a number of ways in which cotton dust can be disposed of sustainably.

  • Biogas production: In his research titled 'Production of Biogas from Willow Dust', RH Balasubramanya states that willow dust contains traces of wax, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. It is found that the substances which have C: N ratios of 25:1 are found to be optimum for biogas production. In willow dust, this ratio is of 30:1 (C: 1 (C: N) and hence is suitable for biogas production.
  • Vermicomposting: Considering the organic nature of cotton dust, with the use of vermicomposting technology and enzyme technology the cotton dust may be converted into bio-compost. Vermicomposting is a technology for converting solid organic waste into highly beneficial and rich compost which can be used as fertiliser to enhance soil fertility. The worms create a home for millions of microorganism that help in reducing the toxicity of waste. This is viewed as the organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides and pesticides which cause harmful effect on the health of farmers. Cotton uses approximately 25 per cent of the world's insecticides, due to which large number of farmers die. Therefore, this could be used for organic farming which would also help in reducing dependence on the costly and hazardous chemicals and pesticides.
  • Fuel for boiler: The dust contains traces of wax which when burnt releases energy which can be utilised as fuel for boilers. This would help the industry to save on fuel costs, and also it is the sustainable reuse of the waste which would otherwise release obnoxious smell into the environment and if burnt in air, then increases the carbon dioxide levels of the atmosphere.


Measures for the control of Byssinosis


In order to control the ailment and sometimes death of textile mill workers due to Byssinosis, some corrective measures taken by the textile mill owners would be very helpful. These include:

  • Installation of suction and exhaust fans at regular interval and in appreciable numbers would help reduce the micro-dust moving in air within the facility. It would be sucked out by the fans.
  • Installation of vacuum and suction cleaning devices which should be moved every hour in the operation area of bale opening, carding and combing and fabric cutting section to collect the micro-dust in an organised manner.
  • Providing air filter masks to workers and ensuring that they use the masks.
  • Regular medical checks facility for workers.
  • Storage of the collected cotton dust in a covered enclosed area so that water does not seep into that area, else pungent smell would be released which would pollute the air and affect health of people around.


In order to have a sustainable environment and improve productivity, using organic fertiliser is best solution for taking care of the environment, replacing chemical fertilisers with organic fertilisers would reduce health hazards and deaths of farmers. Also, this cotton waste generated in high volume and converted to useful fuel or manure would help in controlling greenhouse gases that are generated due to burning, and other foul gases.


Also, taking up infrastructural measures and installing exhaust fans and micro-dust sucking devices operated regularly would help in controlling the micro-dust level within the different sections of the industry. Strict regulations should be made by the government for rigorous implementation by industry. And, precautionary measures should be adopted by the industry so that rate of lung diseases occurrence may be reduced and sustainable environment is maintained.