BAGASSE DISEASE OF THE LUNGS

Abstract

Bagasse is the product remaining after extraction of sugar from sugar cane. This material is commonly baled and if not used immediately may remain exposed in the field for some months before being converted, by processing, into insulating and acoustic board. Workers employed in the breaking of these bales sometimes acquire a respiratory illness. Seven cases of such a reaction have been reported.¹ In order to clarify the clinical picture and course of this disturbance, we are summarizing, aside from the 7 reported cases, 11 of our own. The following 2 histories are given in detail to bring out some of the difficulties in the evaluation of possible etiologic factors. REPORT OF CASES Case 1.—J. N., a white youth aged 18, entered the hospital on Oct. 2, 1942, complaining of shortness of breath of one week's duration. He had been working for one month in an industrial plant handling