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Definition

Phlegm is an abnormally large amount of thick, viscous or stringy mucous in the respiratory system (lungs and throat) and/or digestive passages.

Additional Info

Phlegm is a general symptom of respiratory infections such as the common cold, or bronchitis. As described below, it can also be a symptom of respiratory irritation.

SDS Relevance

This term usually appears in Section 11 (toxicological information) of a Safety Data Sheet as a symptom of inhalation. Respiratory irritation by chemical dusts or vapors in the workplace can cause or increase the formation of phlegm. The best way to limit exposure to such materials is substitution of a safer or less irritating substance. If that's not possible, engineering controls such as ventilation are the next step to consider as they will protect all workers. Finally, personal protective equipment such as a dust mask or respirator can protect individual workers.

Further Reading

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• What Is Phlegm? as well as An Overview of Excess Mucus Production at Verywell Health.
• Phlegm and Mucus: How To Get Rid of It at the Cleveland Clinic.
• Reasons for coughing up phlegm without feeling ill at MedicalNewsToday.
• Visit the The American Lung Association.
• Chronic cough and phlegm in relation to occupational exposures in a prospective cohort study (ECRHS III) from Eur. Respiratory J., 2015, 46, PA349.
• Chronic cough due to occupational factors from J. Occup. Med. Toxicol., 2006, 1, 3.
• Chemical Pneumonia at WebMD.
• Occupational and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Cough in Adults from Chest J., 2016, 150(4), pp 894-907.

See also: bronchitis, emphysema, irritant.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

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