Flock

Category

Plastic & Rubber Dusts/Fumes

Sources/Uses

Flock consists of synthetic fiber (nylon, rayon, polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, or polyethylene) approximately 10 to 15 microns in diameter cut into 1 mm pieces. "These short fibers are applied to adhesive-coated surfaces of many materials, such as fabrics and paper, to create a velvet-like finish to a variety of products, including upholstery coverings, greeting cards, glove boxes for automobiles, etc." [See Reference: NIOSH, p. 8]

Comments

Cases of flock workers' lung caused by nylon flock were first reported in 1995 and 1996 in Canada and Rhode Island. Cases caused by polyethylene and polypropylene flock have been reported in Europe. Affected workers develop dyspnea and cough usually about 5-6 years after starting work. Findings include diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates, restrictive defect, and decreased carbon monoxide diffusion capacity." [Rom, p. 528-30] Flock workers have respiratory symptoms and repeated flu-like illnesses associated with compressed-air cleaning and cumulative exposure. [PMID 15662645]; [PMID 17370318]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Reference Link #2

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumoconioses, other