Beyond pneumonoconiosis: Recently described occupational interstitial lung diseases

SUMMARY. Recent technological innovations have resulted in the introduction of new substances in different manufacturing procedures. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge of the adverse effects of some novel substances has led to the development of interstitial lung disease (ILD) among exposed workers. Exposure to diacetyl can cause bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”), while exposure to nylon flock, Acramin-FWN, indium-tin oxide, biomass fuels or nanoparticles is associated with ILD. In addition, hypersensitivity pneumonitis can occur after exposure to additives in animal feed. Finally, new applications of substances already known to be hazardous can result in the occurrence of ILD in exposed workers. Pneumon 2010, 23(3):293-300.