[thedoc (OP)]

Elvis Mclane  asked the Naked Scientists:
   I am Ngwa Elvis from Cameroon.

There has been an argument going for some time now that milk can protect your lungs from being damaged if you're working in the cement stores.

Is this true?

Regards,
Ngwa Elvis

What do you think?

[RD]

There has been an argument going for some time now that milk can protect your lungs from being damaged if you're working in the cement stores.

Inhaling cement dust can cause the incurable lung disease silicosis.

UK regulations don't mention "milk" ... http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthtopics/respiratory.htm#sil

Protective measures such as respirators have brought a steady decline in death rates due to silicosis in Western countries. Unfortunately, this is not true of less developed countries where work conditions are poor and respiratory equipment is seldom used.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicosis#Occupational_silicosis

[Monox D. I-Fly]

I contracted bronchitis and my second-cousin-in-law suggested to me to drink milk since it's part of her sister-in-law's cousin (my second cousin) therapy who also contracted bronchitis and the result is great? Is it true that milk can cure bronchitis?

[evan_au]

milk can protect your lungs from being damaged if you're working in the cement stores.

Only if you breathe air that has bubbled through milk, which will absorb some of the cement dust.

But you are better bubbling it through clear water, as then you can see when it has absorbed too much dust.

PS: Some people are lactose-intolerant, so milk will cause them gastrointestinal problems, as well as the lung problems.

[Bored chemist]

Is it true that milk can cure bronchitis?

No.
But it might provide useful nutrition for someone fighting off illness.

[Evageasse]

Very valuable piece