Brown Lung Disease (Byssinosis): Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Byssinosis ("brown lung") is an occupational lung disease caused by chronic inhalation of dust from cotton, flax, or hemp processing.

Pathophysiology

• Dust components (endotoxin, plant antigens) trigger airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and eventual fibrosis.
• Classic "Monday chest tightness": symptoms worst on first workday after a break, improving through the week (tachyphylaxis).

Symptoms

• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, dyspnea.
• Late stage: chronic bronchitis, fixed airflow obstruction (COPD-like), irreversible fibrosis.

Diagnosis

• Occupational history + spirometry (cross-shift FEV₁ drop >10% supportive).
• Chest imaging, bronchoscopy rarely needed.

Prevention & Control (Hierarchy of Controls)

• Engineering: Dust suppression, enclosed processes, local exhaust ventilation.
• Administrative: Job rotation, reduced exposure time.
• PPE: NIOSH-approved respirators (N95 or PAPR).
• Medical Surveillance: Periodic spirometry, symptom questionnaires.
• Regulation: OSHA Cotton Dust Standard (29 CFR 1910.1043).