A cross sectional study of respiratory symptoms and dust levels in 1202 cotton weavers and 93 manmade fibre weavers was performed. 4 cotton weavers had symptoms of byssinosis (0.33%). Nasal and eye irritation were significantly more common in the cotton weavers. The prevalence of work related cough, sputum production, wheeze and shortness of breath were not significantly different in the two groups. The mean (SD) concentration of dust less fly in the personal breathing zone in cotton weaving; 1.625 (1.318) mg/m³ was significantly higher than the manmade fibre level; 0.324 (0.244) mg/m³. The four operatives with byssinosis had a significantly higher measured dust concentration; 5.514 (5.162) mg/m³. This study confirms the low prevalence of respiratory symptoms in modern weaving mills.