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Mineral dust airway disease is a general term used to describe complications due to inhaled mineral dust causing fibrosis and narrowing of primarily the respiratory bronchioles. [1] It is a part of a group of disorders known as pneumoconioses which is characterized by inhaled mineral dust and the effects on the lungs.
The AEGL values describe the expected effects of inhalation exposure to certain compounds (airborne concentrations in ppm or mg/m 3). Each AEGL is determined by different levels of a compound's toxicological effects, based on the 4 Ds: detection, discomfort, disability and death. There are three levels of AEGL-values: AEGL-1, AEGL-2 and AEGL-3. [2]
Occupational dust exposure occurs when small particles are generated at the workplace through the disturbance/agitation of rock/mineral, dry grain, timber, fiber, or other material. When these small particles become suspended in the air, they can pose a risk to the health of those who breath in the contaminated air.
The signs and symptoms of acute beryllium pneumonitis usually resolve over several weeks to months, but may be fatal in 10 percent of cases, [1] and about 15–20% of cases may progress to chronic beryllium disease. [8] Acute beryllium poisoning approximately doubles the risk of lung cancer. [9]
There are two primary types of dust exposure in agriculture: inorganic and organic. Often the cause of allergy illnesses like asthma, organic dusts come from both plant and animal sources. Inorganic dust illnesses are non-allergic lung reactions that originate in the soil. [4] Asthma-like symptoms are linked to inorganic dust syndrome.
Silicosis that develops 5–10 years after first exposure to higher concentrations of silica dust. Symptoms and x-ray findings are similar to chronic simple silicosis, but occur earlier and tend to progress more rapidly. Patients with accelerated silicosis are at greater risk for complicated disease, including progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).
The main distinction of byssinosis from other respiratory diseases comes from the initial exposure. Patients who have byssinosis have typically been exposed to cotton or just dust for an extended period of time and experience symptoms of chest tightness and coughing. [3] Patient history should reveal exposure to cotton, flax, hemp, or jute dust.
An occupational exposure limit is an upper limit on the acceptable concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air for a particular material or class of materials. It is typically set by competent national authorities and enforced by legislation to protect occupational safety and health.