More than 1 million Americans are affected by respirable dust disease each year, including a significant percentage of works in the mining, mineral, and construction industries. There are some occupational hazards associated with mining in the areas of respirable dust disorders. There are a number of investigators at WVU interested in respirable dust problems. Four years ago, Ma embarked on some of the most promising research he has been involved with thus far in finding a possible cure for respirable dust disease. The research involves a plant extract called tetrandine, which Chinese researchers had made some progress with in treating patients with silicosis in that country.
Silicosis occurs when a person breathes in silicon particles over a period of time.
The disease eventually kills sufferes by causing the formation of excess collagen fibers in the tiny air sacs of the lungs. These excess fibers cause stiffenting of the lung tissue, which must remain flexible in order for a person to breathe properly. Chinese researchers had found that when taken orally, concentrated tablets of tetrandine had proven effective on miners in reducing coughing and pain levels associated with silicosis. In some cases, x-rays taken after treatment showed visible clearing of collagen fibers from the miner's lungs. However, long-term use also produced the serious side effect of liver damage.