Byssinosis is an occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of dust from:
- A Asbestos fibres
- B Cotton, flax, hemp or jute dust ✓
- C Coal dust
- D Silica dust
Correct answer: B. Cotton, flax, hemp or jute dust
Explanation
Byssinosis ('brown lung disease') is caused by inhalation of dust from processing cotton, flax, hemp, or jute. It is characterised by chest tightness and breathlessness typically worse on the first day back after a break ('Monday morning fever'). The causative agent is endotoxin from gram-negative bacteria contaminating the fibre, rather than the fibre itself. Asbestosis, silicosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis are separate conditions.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.