Abstract

Stewart, C. J. (1974).Thorax, 29, 252-257. Mushroom worker's lung—two outbreaks. The clinical picture, immunological findings, and working environment of six mushroom farm workers who developed the characteristic features of mushroom worker's lung while handling pasteurized compost are reported and discussed.

A specific antigen has not been identified. The sporadic occurrence of the condition suggests that the antigen is present only intermittently in the working environment in sufficient concentrations to cause alveolitis. Until such time as the constitutional, immunological, and environmental factors predisposing to the development of alveolitis are better understood preventive measures must be empirical.