| Bauxite fibrosis | |
| Synonyms: | Shaver's disease, Corundum smelter's lung, Bauxite lung or Bauxite smelters' disease, Bauxite pneumoconiosis |
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).
Diagnosis depends on chest X-rays, lung function tests, and history.