The WHO/NIOSH monograph describes substantial kapok-dust exposure in poorly ventilated ginneries and reports mill-fever symptoms, including eye irritation, sneezing, cough, and headache, among kapok workers.
Source: WHO/NIOSH: WHO/NIOSH monograph on occupational respiratory diseases — kapok dust ↗Dust entry
Kapok-fiber dust
Vegetable-fiber dust generated during kapok pod opening, ginning, sifting, and bagging.
Airborne form
fiber
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
mill fevereye irritationsneezingcoughrespiratory irritationhypersensitivity pneumonitis concern
Evidence
Controls
- enclosed ginning
- ventilation
- dust suppression
- dust collection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection