Aluminosis (also known as aluminium lung) is a
restrictive lung disease caused by exposure to aluminum-bearing
dust
Dust is made of particle size, fine particles of solid matter. On Earth, it generally consists of particles in the atmosphere that come from various sources such as soil lifted by wind (an aeolian processes, aeolian process), Types of volcan ...
. Aluminosis is a form of
pneumoconiosis that can lead to
pulmonary fibrosis.
First cases of lung damage from aluminium exposure were reported in the 1930s in Germany. It can be detected by using
high-resolution computed tomography.
Findings may vary, showing nodular or slightly irregular opacities that may merge into more prominent forms, most frequently in the upper lung fields, sometimes in the lower lung fields, and less frequently a diffuse micro nodular pattern. In severe cases, pulmonary fibrosis with honeycombing was described.
Workers exposed to aluminium dust are often involved in industries such as explosives manufacturing where
aluminium powder
Aluminium powder is powdered aluminium.
This was originally produced by mechanical means using a stamp mill to create flakes. Subsequently, a process of spraying molten aluminium to create a powder of droplets was developed by E. J. Hall in the ...
is involved, aluminium
welding
Welding is a fabrication (metal), fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, primarily by using high temperature to melting, melt the parts together and allow them to cool, causing Fusion welding, fusion. Co ...
and grinding, and bauxite smelting.
References
External links
* https://icdlist.com/icd-10/J63.0
Lung diseases due to external agents
Occupational diseases
Respiratory diseases
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