Any lung disease caused by inhalation of organic or inorganic dusts or chemical irritants, usually over time.
Some dusts (e.g., silica mineral s, asbestos ) produce grave reactions in small quantities. Dust collects in the bronchitis and emphysema . Cigarette smoking worsens many types. The most common cause of severe disease is silica (see silicosis ). Asbestos (see asbestosis ), beryllium, and aluminum dusts can cause worse disease, often on brief exposure. Organic causes include mold spores (see allergy ) and textile fibres. Chemical irritants such as ammonia, acid, and sulfur dioxide are soon absorbed by the lung lining; their irritant effect can cause pulmonary edema , and they can lead to chronic bronchitis.