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Flock worker's lung: chronic interstitial lung disease in the nylon flocking industry
D G Kern1, R S Crausman, K T Durand
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket 02860, USA. davidvkern@brown.edu
Annals of Internal Medicine
|September 5, 1998
Summary
Workers in nylon flocking plants may develop a new occupational lung disease. This condition, termed flock worker's lung, is linked to nylon fiber exposure and improves with removal from the workplace.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- A cluster of interstitial lung disease cases emerged in a nylon flocking plant.
- Previous similar cases were reported at a Canadian facility of the same company.
Observation:
- A study investigated workers at a Rhode Island nylon flocking plant to understand an apparent disease outbreak.
- The study involved a case-finding survey and retrospective cohort analysis of employees.
Findings:
- Eight cases of "flock worker's lung" were identified, characterized by interstitial lung disease.
- Histological findings included nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, with peribronchovascular lymphoid nodules.
- A significant increase in the incidence rate of interstitial lung disease was observed in the study cohort.
Implications:
- The nylon flocking industry presents a significant risk for a previously unrecognized occupational interstitial lung disease.
- Nylon fiber is the suspected causative agent, necessitating further investigation and preventative measures.
- Prompt diagnosis and removal from workplace exposure led to patient improvement.
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