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The case history of a 39 year old male truck driver with bronchiolitis obliterans was presented. The subject worked for a waste management firm and was occupationally exposed to fly ash from incinerated fossil fuels. Exposure occurred during the 30 minutes to 1 hour spent loading or unloading fly ash without any personal protective equipment. The subject developed intermittent coughing spells and other respiratory symptoms which progressed to symptom persistence after work, culminating in a loss of consciousness. Upon admission to the hospital, the patient was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans based on clinical criterion. The subject experienced small improvement through several treatments with oral and inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, but has not been able to return to work as a truck driver. The authors conclude that this is the first known report of bronchiolitis obliterans caused by exposure to fly ash from the combustion of fossil fuels.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 37(7):850-855, 1995. (36 references)
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