Byssinosis, also known as brown lung is a disease caused by exposure to cotton dust, usually in areas that are not well ventilated (American Lung Association). This disease is seen in yarn and fabric manufacture workers. Symptoms of the disease include breathing difficulties, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing (Lee, 2008).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration under the United States Department of Labor now has guidelines that provide the exposure limits and measurement methods of cotton dust, and how to reduce it.
- Lee, NS. (2008). "Byssinosis". Merck Manuals: online medical dictionary. Merck & Co.
Hi Lorena,
ReplyDeleteThat is true, short-term exposure to cotton dust my cause bronchitis and acute byssinosis which is a reversible respiratory disease but long-term exposure may cause very complicated and irreversible diseases such as lung airway obstruction which reduce ventilator capacity and in some cases has led to disability and premature death. Thank you for sharing the information about Byssinosis.