The WHO/NIOSH monograph lists kapok dust among non-byssinotic-producing vegetable dust exposures and associates it with respiratory disease concerns including COPD and possible occupational asthma; the evidence is source-reported and should not be read as universal causation.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: WHO/NIOSH monograph on occupational respiratory diseases — hemp dust ↗Dust entry
Kapok dust
Plant-fiber dust generated during kapok processing for bedding, upholstery, and related products.
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
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease concernoccupational asthma concernhypersensitivity pneumonitis concern
Evidence
Controls
- enclosure
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust suppression
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection