Q.1 The causal agent of Byssinosis is:
1. Pollen dust
2. Arsenic
3. Cotton dust
4. Iron dust
Byssinosis: The Cotton Dust Lung Disease Explained
Byssinosis, often called “brown lung disease,” affects textile workers due to prolonged exposure to cotton dust. The correct answer to the query is 3. Cotton dust, as it triggers this occupational respiratory condition.
Correct Answer
The causal agent of byssinosis is cotton dust. This organic dust from cotton fibers contains bacterial endotoxins that inflame airways, causing chest tightness, cough, and reduced lung function, especially on Mondays after breaks.
Option Breakdown
| Option | Explanation | Why Incorrect/Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pollen dust | Pollen triggers allergic rhinitis or asthma via immune responses to plant particles. | Not linked to byssinosis; it’s an occupational disease from textile processing, not seasonal allergies. |
| 2. Arsenic | Arsenic poisoning causes skin lesions, cancers, and neuropathy from ingestion/inhalation in mining or contaminated water. | Unrelated to respiratory fibrosis in cotton mills; no association with byssinosis. |
| 3. Cotton dust | Inhalation of cotton (or flax/hemp) dust releases endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria, leading to bronchoconstriction and chronic obstructive changes. | Correct: Primary cause in textile workers, confirmed by history and FEV1 drop post-shift. |
| 4. Iron dust | Iron dust causes siderosis (benign pneumoconiosis) with radiographic shadows but minimal symptoms. | Welding/metal exposure differs; no endotoxin-driven airway disease like byssinosis. |
Symptoms and Prevention
Workers experience “Monday fever” with dyspnea easing mid-week, progressing to irreversible COPD. Prevent via ventilation, masks, and dust control in mills. Ideal for biology exams on occupational health.
