Introduction/framework/objectives

Part of the professionals working in Occupational Health and Safety did not have the opportunity to work in companies at risk of Byssinosis, so a fraction of them will not have great knowledge about this pathology. The aim of this review was to summarize the most recent and relevant that has been published in recent years.

Methodology

This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Contents

Byssinosis is a respiratory pathology secondary to the processing of plant fibers; comes from the Greek "Byssos" (cotton), since the pathology was first observed in the cotton industry, although later it was noticed that other plant fibers led to the same situation; however, cotton processing, particularly in the early stages, is more likely to cause it. In this dust there are not only cotton fibers, but also microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi). In fact, some pulmonary alterations are caused by the cascade of inflammatory mediators, secondary not only to fibers, but also to endotoxins.

The most characteristic semiology involves cough, expectoration, chest discomfort, dyspnea, fever, malaise, wheezing, asthenia and anorexia.

Discussion and Conclusions

The selected bibliography did not reveal data on some pertinent and essential aspects to practice in the area. For example, no concrete information was found regarding specific collective or individual protection measures (type of equipment, brand, model, material). It would be interesting for one or more Occupational Health and Safety teams that has any client(s) in this sector to investigate the most relevant issues, namely incidence/prevalence versus sex, age, qualifications, employer size and job characteristics and production process; as well as the part associated with collective and individual protection measures, limitations and the need to change tasks/job or even the professional sector itself.

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