NIOSH investigated shark cartilage dust after a worker reported work-related chest symptoms and died from autopsy-confirmed asthma; the report describes shark cartilage dust as a potential cause of occupational asthma.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: HHE 98-0072-2762 — Allgrind Plastics dust exposures ↗Dust entry
Shark cartilage dust
Dust generated by grinding and powdering shark cartilage in an industrial processing operation.
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
occupational asthmaacute asthma attackshortness of breathfatal respiratory outcome
Evidence
Controls
- process enclosure
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust suppression
- exposure monitoring
- medical surveillance
- remove affected workers from exposure
- appropriate respiratory protection