What is Byssinosis?

A lung disease caused by the dust that is produced during the processing of flax, cotton, hemp, or sisal.

Byssinosis causes a feeling of tightness in the chest and shortness of breath that may become chronic (of long duration) if exposure to the agent continues.

Bronchodilator drugs and other drugs used to treat asthma can relieve the symptoms; good ventilation and equipment such as masks reduce the risk.