The WHO/NIOSH monograph identifies moldy cork dust as an occupational exposure associated with suberosis and describes cork-worker respiratory disease evidence.
Source: WHO/NIOSH: WHO/NIOSH monograph on occupational respiratory diseases — cork dust ↗Dust entry
Cork dust
Organic particulate generated during cork processing and handling, especially when cork is mold-contaminated.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
suberosishypersensitivity pneumonitisbronchitisemphysema concernrespiratory symptoms
Evidence
Controls
- mold control
- enclosed cork processing
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust collection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection