Bauxite fibrosis | |
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Other names | Shaver's disease, Corundum smelter's lung, Bauxite lung or Bauxite smelters' disease, Bauxite pneumoconiosis |
Bauxite with unweathered rock core | |
Specialty | Pulmonology |
Bauxite fibrosis is a progressive form of pneumoconiosis usually caused by occupational exposure to bauxite fumes which contain aluminium and silica particulates. [1]
It is typically seen in workers involved in the smelting of bauxite to produce corundum. [2]
Initially, the disease appears as alveolitis, and then progresses to emphysema. [3]
Patients may develop pneumothorax (collapsed lung).[ citation needed]
Diagnosis depends on chest X-rays, lung function tests, and history.[ citation needed]
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