Byssinosis, an occupational lung disease, is caused by exposure to dust from which material and is characterized by the 'Monday morning syndrome'?
- A Asbestos fibers in shipyard workers — causing pleural plaques and mesothelioma
- B Coal dust in miners — causing progressive massive fibrosis
- C Cotton, flax, or hemp dust — causing chest tightness and wheeze worst on the first workday after rest ✓
- D Grain dust in farmers — causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Correct answer: C. Cotton, flax, or hemp dust — causing chest tightness and wheeze worst on the first workday after rest
Explanation
Byssinosis (brown lung disease) results from inhalation of cotton, flax, or hemp dust (not the fiber itself but associated bacteria and endotoxins). 'Monday morning syndrome' is pathognomonic — symptoms of chest tightness and dyspnea are worst on the first shift after weekend rest and improve by end of week due to tolerance (tachyphylaxis). Chronic byssinosis eventually leads to irreversible obstructive lung disease.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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