Bagassosis

• Occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of bagasse or sugarcane dust
• First reported in India in a cardboard manufacturing firm near Kolkata
• India has a large sugarcane industry
• Sugarcane fiber is utilized in manufacturing of paper, cardboard and rayon
• Bagassosis occurs due to a thermophilic actinomycete k/a Thermoactinomyces sacchari
• Symptoms:
  • Breathlessness
  • Cough
  • Hemoptysis and
  • Slight fever
• Acute diffuse bronchiolitis
• Skiagram:
  • Mottling in lungs or shadow
• Impairment of pulmonary function tests
• Treatment:
  • If treated early: acute inflammatory condition may resolve
  • If left untreated, there is diffuse fibrosis, emphysema and bronchiectasis

Bagassosis – Prevention

1. Dust control

• Suppression of dust, e.g. wet process, enclosed apparatus, exhaust ventilation etc.
  • Personal protection
  • Masks or respirators with mechanical filter or with oxygen or air supply
  • Medical control
  • Initial medical examination and
  • periodical check ups of the worker
  • Bagasse control
  • Keeping the moisture content above 20%
  • Spraying the bagasse with 2% propionic acid (fungicide)

References

• Chapter 1 - Dust: Definitions and Concepts; Hazard Prevention and Control in the Work Environment: Airborne Dust WHO/SDE/OEH/99.14 available at: http://www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/en/oehairbornedust3.pdf, accessed on 16th Feb 2017
• Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine

Types of Pneumoconiosis: Pneumoconioses

Silicosis: Silicosis

Anthracosis: Anthracosis

Byssinosis: Byssinosis

Bagassosis: Bagassosis

Asbestosis: Asbestosis

Farmer’s Lung: Farmer’s Lung

Lecture on Pneumoconiosis: Occupational Health