Airborne Endotoxins: An Association with Occupational Lung Disease

Abstract Endotoxins are a component of the cell wall of gram negative bacteria and have been implicated as the etiological agent of byssinosis as well as the cause of pulmonary responses attributed to other organic dusts. Recent studies have proposed threshold values for airborne endotoxin and suggest that consideration be given to developing an occupational standard for endotoxin. Endotoxins occur at significant levels in many work environments, and the industrial hygienist should be aware of the disease potential of this agent. The structure, biological activity, measurement, and occurrence of endotoxin in the work environment is reviewed. The feasibility of an occupational standard is discussed and recommendations made for practical evaluation of endotoxin and for additional research. Jacobs, R. R.: Airborne Endotoxins: An Association with Occupational Lung Disease. Appl. Ind. Hyg. 4:50–56; 1989.