BYSSINOSIS (BROWN LUNG DISEASE)

Byssinosis is caused by a narrowing of the airways caused by inhaling cotton, flax or hemp particles and is largely confined to Lancashire and Northern Ireland. Brown lung disease is thought to result from endotoxins released by bacteria present in cotton dust which cause constriction of the airways. Symptoms are usually more pronounced when returning to work after a weekend, holiday or vacation and subside as the worker becomes re-accustomed to the environment.

In the early stages the small airways of the lungs (the bronchioles) become inflamed which may cause wheezing and tightness in the chest, coughing and breathlessness. The symptoms may disappear completely if the person avoids any further exposure to the dust. However, once extensive lung damage has been done, the condition may be permanent.

Prolonged exposure to cotton dust increases the frequency of symptoms (cough, chest tightness) and leads to permanent lung disease, which can sometimes be disabling. Workers who also smoke cigarettes suffer the most severe impairment.

The use of exhaust hoods, improving ventilation and employing wetting procedures are very successful methods of controlling dust levels to prevent byssinosis. Protective equipment required during certain procedures may also prevent exposure to dust inhalation.

Antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce tightness in the chest. Bronchodilators (drugs used to relax breathing passages and improve air flow) may be used with an inhaler or taken in tablet form. However these only reduce symptoms rather than cure the disease.

If you suffer from brown lung disease which is the result of your employer failing to take adequate care to protect you from such injury, then we can help you to get the compensation you deserve.

Here are 3 good reasons to choose our lawyers:

1. Our lawyers will provide you with legal advice on your rights and entitlements to compensation with no further obligation.
2. Our solicitors are specialist accredited expert members of the Law Society personal injury panel with extensive experience in negotiating, settling and litigating accident compensation claims.
3. If you decide to instruct any of our specialists to obtain compensation for you, they will act on a “no win no fee” basis. Compensation is paid in full and win or lose there is no charge.¹