Abstract

Byssinosis is a recognized occupational disease among textile workers exposed to cotton, hemp, or flax dust. Its diagnosis, however, is highly subjective. This project examined the pulmonary response of sheep exposed to known concentrations of cotton dust, using pulmonary function tests and bronchioalveolar lavage.

A specific procedure for the early diagnosis of byssinosis was developed, and the link between causal agents and respiratory problems clarified.