An Outbreak of Weaver's Cough Associated with Tamarind Seed Powder

Several cases of respiratory disease, varying in severity from a dry cough to severe bronchospasm, have recently occurred in a few British textile factories. They appear to be connected with the use of ground tamarind seed as a sizing agent. Although the seed had been used extensively in India for this purpose, no untoward effects on health had been reported but shortly after its introduction into Great Britain cases began to appear. The worst effects were seen in certain weavers handling rayon but there were some cases also in those concerned with cutting the cotton velvet.