Capillary gas chromatography of cotton dusts associated with human pulmonary function studies.

The effects of geographical area of growth and cotton variety on pulmonary activity have been evaluated through human volunteer exposure studies conducted by NIOSH and USDA at the Cotton Quality Research Station, Clemson, S.C. These studies demonstrate that carding California cottons releases dust with less human pulmonary activity than dust released from the corresponding Mississippi cottons. Dust released from Texas cottons grown in 1982 was considerably less active than the dust from Texas cottons grown in 1983. Distinct differences in the chemical compositions of the Mississippi, Texas, and California cardroom dusts were found. Aqueous extracts of the dusts were freeze-dried and then derivatized. Capillary gas chromatography revealed that the California dust extracts and the 1982 Texas dust extract were characterized by relatively higher levels of malic acid, whereas the Mississippi dust extracts and the 1983 Texas dust extracts were characterized by relatively higher mannitol levels.