Which of the following is the etiological factor for the disease 'Bagassosis'?
Cotton
Sugarcane fibres
Carbon paicles
Silica fibres
Bagassosis is an occupational disease of the lung caused by inhalation of bagasse or sugar-cane dust. It is due to a thermophilic actinomycete. The symptoms consist of breathlessness, cough, hemoptysis and slight fever. If left untreated, there is diffuse fibrosis, emphysema, and bronchiectasis. By keeping the moisture content above 20% and spraying the bagasse with 2% propionic acid, bagasse can be rendered safe for manufacturing use. Ref: Park's Textbook of Social and Preventive Medicine, 19th edition, Page 661-662.