Histopathological Changes in Lungs Associated with Long-Term Exposure to Biomass: A Case Report

Pneumoconiosis, which develops upon exposure to organic or inorganic matter, also encompasses lung lesions which occur due to biomass use, especially in people living in rural areas. Biomass is used as an energy source for heating and cooking within households. According to the World Health Organisation data, when the dust exposure level is above 25 mu g/m3, several systemic diseases such as cataracts, chronic obstructive lung disease, tuberculosis and lung cancer may develop. The case presented herein is mixed dust pneumoconiosis, developed after biomass exposure. Pneumoconiosis, which involves some lung morphologies that may lead to fatal outcomes, is still the most frequently encountered occupational lung disease in Turkey. This case report is presented to review the data of our country related to biomass exposure and to discuss mixed dust pneumoconiosis, a rare condition.