malt worker’s lung

pathology

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June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Malt worker's lung is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a lung disorder caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts. Specifically, it results from exposure to mold spores found in materials like malt, hay, or sugarcane.123

The condition can manifest in an acute form with symptoms such as breathlessness, fever, cough, and general illness, lasting from days to weeks. A chronic form can persist for years, potentially leading to respiratory failure due to conditions like chronic bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis.1

Prevention is key, and avoiding the offending dusts is the most effective treatment. Education and the use of masks can help prevent the condition, particularly for those in occupations with high exposure risks.12

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occupational disease
Dusts
…diseases known as farmer’s lung, malt worker’s lung, bird fancier’s lung, and so forth are caused by an allergic inflammatory reaction to the fungal spores present in moldy hay or barley, bird droppings, feathers, and a variety of other organic materials. Symptoms initially resemble those of influenza or pneumonia, but…
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…diseases known as farmer’s lung, malt worker’s lung, bird fancier’s lung, and so forth are caused by an allergic inflammatory reaction to the fungal spores present in moldy hay or barley, bird droppings, feathers, and a variety of other organic materials. Symptoms initially resemble those of influenza or pneumonia, but…
Read More