The WHO/NIOSH occupational respiratory-disease monograph identifies moldy sugar-cane dust as a cause of bagassosis, a hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with inhaled organic dust.
Source: WHO/NIOSH: WHO/NIOSH monograph on occupational respiratory diseases — sugar-cane dust and bagassosis ↗Dust entry
Sugar-cane bagasse dust
Plant-fiber dust generated during sugar-cane processing and handling of bagasse.
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
hypersensitivity pneumonitisbagassosisrespiratory inflammationinterstitial lung disease concern
Evidence
Controls
- moisture and mold control
- enclosed bagasse handling
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust suppression
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection