COTTON DUST
HAZARDTEXT ®
Information to help in the initial response for evaluating chemical incidents
 -IDENTIFICATION
SYNONYMS
COTTON DUST BROWN LUNG DISEASE BYSSINOSIS COTTON DUST, RAW
IDENTIFIERS
USES/FORMS/SOURCES
Cotton is used in apparel, industrial and household fabrics, upholstery, thread, and medicine (Sax & Lewis, 1987).
Cotton dust is generated into the air as a result of the processing of cotton fibers combined with any naturally occurring materials such as stems, leaves, bracts, and inorganic matter which may have accumulated on the fibers during growing or harvesting. Dust generated from cotton processing through weaving of fabric and dust generated in other manufacturing processes or operations using new or waste cotton fibers or cotton fiber byproducts from textile mills is considered cotton dust (Sittig, 1985).
-CLINICAL EFFECTS
GENERAL CLINICAL EFFECTS
- Byssinosis is an occupational respiratory disease that occurs in workers who process cotton, hemp, and flax (Levy, 1975).
- Inhalation of cotton dust causes chest tightness, cough, wheezing, varying degrees of dyspnea, bronchial asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Smoking may contribute to the severity of respiratory symptoms. Long-term exposure may result in irreversible ventilatory impairment.
- POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004)
Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
-MEDICAL TREATMENT
LIFE SUPPORT
- Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.
SUMMARY
- FIRST AID - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004)
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance. Keep victim warm and quiet. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
-RANGE OF TOXICITY
TOXICITY AND RISK ASSESSMENT VALUES
-STANDARDS AND LABELS
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
- DOT -- Table of Hazardous Materials and Special Provisions for UN/NA Number 1365 (49 CFR 172.101, 2005):
Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping name: Cotton Symbol(s): D, W D: identifies proper shipping names which are appropriate for describing materials for domestic transportation but may be inappropriate for international transportation under the provisions of international regulations (e.g., IMO, ICAO). An alternate proper shipping name may be selected when either domestic or international transportation is involved. W: denotes a material that is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR 172.101 only when offered or intended for transportation by vessel, unless the material is a hazardous substance or a hazardous waste. A shipping description entry preceded by a "W" may be used to describe a material for other modes of transportation provided all applicable requirements for the entry are met.
Hazard class or Division: 9 Identification Number: NA1365 Packing Group: Not Listed Label(s) required (if not excepted): 9 Special Provisions: 137, IB8, IP2, IP4, W41 137: Cotton, dry; flax, dry; and sisal, dry are not subject to the requirements of this subchapter when they are baled in accordance with ISO 8115, " Cotton Bales -- Dimensions and Density " (IBR, see Sec. 171.7 of this subchapter) to a density of not less than 360 kg/m3 (22.1 lb/ft3) for cotton, 400 kg/m3 (24.97 lb/ft3) for flax and 620 kg/m3 (38.71 lb/ft3) for sisal and transported in a freight container or closed transport vehicle. IB8: Authorized IBCs: Metal (11A, 11B, 11N, 21A, 21B, 21N, 31A, 31B and 31N); Rigid plastics (11H1, 11H2, 21H1, 21H2, 31H1 and 31H2); Composite (11HZ1, 11HZ2, 21HZ1, 21HZ2, 31HZ1 and 31HZ2); Fiberboard (11G); Wooden (11C, 11D and 11F); Flexible (13H1, 13H2, 13H3, 13H4, 13H5, 13L1, 13L2, 13L3, 13L4, 13M1 or 13M2). IP2: When IBCs other than metal or rigid plastics IBCs are used, they must be offered for transportation in a closed freight container or a closed transport vehicle. IP4: Flexible, fiberboard or wooden IBCs must be sift-proof and water-resistant or be fitted with a sift-proof and water-resistant liner. W41: When offered for transportation by water, this material must be packaged in bales and be securely and tightly bound with rope, wire or similar means.
Packaging Authorizations (refer to 49 CFR 173.***): Exceptions: None Non-bulk packaging: None Bulk packaging: None
Quantity Limitations: Vessel Stowage Requirements:
Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping name: Cotton, wet Symbol(s): A, I, W A: material that is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR 172.101 only when offered or intended for transportation by aircraft, unless the material is a hazardous substance or a hazardous waste. A shipping description entry preceded by an "A" may be used to describe a material for other modes of transportation provided all applicable requirements for the entry are met. I: identifies proper shipping names which are appropriate for describing materials in international transportation. An alternate proper shipping name may be selected when only domestic transportation is involved. W: denotes a material that is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR 172.101 only when offered or intended for transportation by vessel, unless the material is a hazardous substance or a hazardous waste. A shipping description entry preceded by a "W" may be used to describe a material for other modes of transportation provided all applicable requirements for the entry are met.
Hazard class or Division: 4.2 Identification Number: UN1365 Packing Group: III Label(s) required (if not excepted): 4.2 Special Provisions: IB8, IP3, IP7 IB8: Authorized IBCs: Metal (11A, 11B, 11N, 21A, 21B, 21N, 31A, 31B and 31N); Rigid plastics (11H1, 11H2, 21H1, 21H2, 31H1 and 31H2); Composite (11HZ1, 11HZ2, 21HZ1, 21HZ2, 31HZ1 and 31HZ2); Fiberboard (11G); Wooden (11C, 11D and 11F); Flexible (13H1, 13H2, 13H3, 13H4, 13H5, 13L1, 13L2, 13L3, 13L4, 13M1 or 13M2). IP3: Flexible IBCs must be sift-proof and water-resistant or must be fitted with a sift-proof and water-resistant liner. IP7: For UN identification numbers 1327, 1363, 1364, 1365, 1386, 1841, 2211, 2217, 2793 and 3314, IBCs are not required to meet the IBC performance tests specified in part 178, subpart N of this subchapter.
Packaging Authorizations (refer to 49 CFR 173.***): Exceptions: None Non-bulk packaging: 204 Bulk packaging: 241
Quantity Limitations: Vessel Stowage Requirements:
- ICAO International Shipping Name for UN1365 (ICAO, 2002):
-PERSONAL PROTECTION
SUMMARY
- RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004)
-PHYSICAL HAZARDS
FIRE HAZARD
- FIRE CONTROL/EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
SMALL FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004) Dry chemical, CO2, sand, earth, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004) TANK OR CAR/TRAILER LOAD FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004) Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Editor's Note: This material is not listed in the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. LARGE SPILL - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004) FIRE - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004) If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004) CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number: MEXICO: SETIQ: 01-800-00-214-00 in the Mexican Republic; For calls originating in Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area: 5559-1588; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-52-555-559-1588.
CENACOM: 01-800-00-413-00 in the Mexican Republic; For calls originating in Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area: 5550-1496, 5550-1552, 5550-1485, or 5550-4885; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-52-555-550-1496, or 011-52-555-550-1552; 011-52-555-550-1485, or 011-52-555-550-4885.
ARGENTINA: CIQUIME: 0-800-222-2933 in the Republic of Argentina; For calls originating elsewhere, call: +54-11-4613-1100.
BRAZIL: PRÓ-QUÍMICA: 0-800-118270 (Toll-free in Brazil); For calls originating elsewhere, call: +55-11-232-1144 (Collect calls are accepted).
COLUMBIA: CISPROQUIM: 01-800-091-6012 in Colombia; For calls originating in Bogotá, Colombia, call: 288-6012; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-57-1-288-6012.
CANADA: UNITED STATES:
For additional details see the section entitled "WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE" under the ERG Instructions. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas.
CONTAINMENT/WASTE TREATMENT OPTIONS
SPILL OR LEAK PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004) ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 133 (ERG, 2004)
-PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
DESCRIPTION/PHYSICAL STATE
- TENACITY (Sax & Lewis, 1987) :
3 to 6 g/denier (dry) 4 to 8 g/denier (wet)
- ELONGATION: 3% to 7% (Sax & Lewis, 1987)
-REFERENCES
GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY- 49 CFR 172.101: Department of Transportation - Table of Hazardous Materials. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC. Final rules current as of Aug 11, 2005.
- Artigas A, Bernard GR, Carlet J, et al: The American-European consensus conference on ARDS, part 2: ventilatory, pharmacologic, supportive therapy, study design strategies, and issues related to recovery and remodeling.. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1998; 157:1332-1347.
- Brower RG, Matthay AM, & Morris A: Ventilation with lower tidal volumes as compared with traditional tidal volumes for acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. N Eng J Med 2000; 342:1301-1308.
- Burgess JL, Kirk M, Borron SW, et al: Emergency department hazardous materials protocol for contaminated patients. Ann Emerg Med 1999; 34(2):205-212.
- Cataletto M: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute(ARDS). In: Domino FJ, ed. The 5-Minute Clinical Consult 2012, 20th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2012.
- Chan-Yeung M, Lam S, & Koener S: Clinical features and natural history of occupational asthma. Am Rev Respir Dis 1987; 135:950-951.
- Clayton GD & Clayton FE: Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Vol 2C. Toxicology, 3rd ed, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1982, pp 4380-4383.
- ERG: Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration, Washington, DC, 2004.
- Finkel AJ: Hamilton and Hardy's Industrial Toxicology, 4th ed, John Wright, PSG Inc, Boston, MA, 1983, pp 382-384.
- Gordon T & Harkema JR: Cotton dust produces an increase in intraepithelial mucosubstances in rat airways. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 1995; 151:1981-1988.
- Haas CF: Mechanical ventilation with lung protective strategies: what works?. Crit Care Clin 2011; 27(3):469-486.
- Hathaway GJ, Proctor NH, & Hughes JP: Chemical Hazards of the Workplace, 3rd ed, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, NY, 1991, pp 187-188.
- ICAO: Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, 2003-2004. International Civil Aviation Organization, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2002.
- Kollef MH & Schuster DP: The acute respiratory distress syndrome. N Engl J Med 1995; 332:27-37.
- Koskela RS, Klockars M, & Jarvinen E: Mortality and disability among cotton mill workers. Br J Ind Med 1990; 47:384-391.
- Levy SA: An overview of occupational pulmonary disorders. In: Zenz C (Ed): Occupational Medicine: Principles and Practical Applications, 2nd ed, Year Book Med Publ, Chicago, IL, 1988, pp 217-218.
- Lewis RJ: Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th ed, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, NY, 1992, pp 957.
- Li D, Zhong YN, & Rylander R: Longitudinal study of the health of cotton workers. Occup Environ Med 1995; 52:328-331.
- NHLBI ARDS Network: Mechanical ventilation protocol summary. Massachusetts General Hospital. Boston, MA. 2008. Available from URL: http://www.ardsnet.org/system/files/6mlcardsmall_2008update_final_JULY2008.pdf. As accessed 2013-08-07.
- Naradzay J & Barish RA: Approach to ophthalmologic emergencies. Med Clin North Am 2006; 90(2):305-328.
- National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute: Expert panel report 3: guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute. Bethesda, MD. 2007. Available from URL: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.pdf.
- Peate WF: Work-related eye injuries and illnesses. Am Fam Physician 2007; 75(7):1017-1022.
- Pickering CAC: Organic dusts: byssinosis, in Raffle PAB, Lee WR, McCallum RI et al (eds): Hunter's Diseases of Occupations, Little, Brown, & Co, Boston, MA, 1987, pp 690-705.
- Rosenstock L & Cullen MR: Clinical Occupational Medicine, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA, 1986, pp 25-191.
- Rylander R: Bacteria as etiologocal agents in byssinosis and other lung disease. Eur J Respir Dis 1982; 63(Suppl):34-46.
- Sax NI & Lewis RJ: Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, NY, 1987, pp 317.
- Schilling RSF: Byssinosis, in Parmeggiani L (ed): Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety, 3rd ed, International Labour Office, Geneva, Switzerland, 1983, pp 350-353.
- Schwartz DA, Thorne PS, & Yagla SJ: The role of endotoxin in grain dust-induced lung disease. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 1995; 152:603-608.
- Sittig M: Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, 2nd ed, Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ, 1985, pp 259-261.
- Stolbach A & Hoffman RS: Respiratory Principles. In: Nelson LS, Hoffman RS, Lewin NA, et al, eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 9th ed. McGraw Hill Medical, New York, NY, 2011.
- Willson DF, Truwit JD, Conaway MR, et al: The adult calfactant in acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) trial. Chest 2015; 148(2):356-364.
- Wilson DF, Thomas NJ, Markovitz BP, et al: Effect of exogenous surfactant (calfactant) in pediatric acute lung injury. A randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2005; 293:470-476.
- Woldeyohannes M, Bergevin Y, & Mgeni AY: Respiratory problems among cotton textile mill workers in Ethiopia. J Ind Med 1991; 48:110-115.
|