Many jobs, regrettably, expose workers to health risks and, amongst the most dangerous risks, are lung diseases caused by the inhalation of substances dangerous for the respiratory system. Below are the more severe occupational lung diseases and advice on how to prevent them.
Which are the more serious occupational lung diseases?
The occupational diseases that can damage the lungs are really numerous. Hereunder is a spectrum of the more common ones, some of which are particularly dangerous as they do not simply deteriorate the quality of life, but can actually lead to death:
- chronic obstructive bronchopathy;
- chronic bronchitis;
- tracheobronchitis;
- pulmonary granulomatosis (berylliosis) due to copper sulphate;
- bronchial asthma;
- pulmonary fibrosis;
- lung tuberculosis;
- pulmonary carbuncle;
- pulmonary silicosis;
- fibro genic pneumoconiosis or black lung (typical of coal mine workers);
- pulmonary asbestosis;
- pleural mesothelioma;
- lung cancer.
These are just a few of the occupational lung diseases present among workers.
Of particular importance are the diseases caused by mining activities where there is a high risk of developing fibro genic pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung disease. This usually begins with the inhalation of disease-inducing particles and the build-up of these particles in the lungs leads to the formation of fibrotic tissue that replaces healthy lung tissue to the point that breathing is compromised. This pathology can also damage the heart, over time. In most cases, a diagnosis is reached based on the symptoms, e.g. respiratory deficiency, associated to the patient’s history and X-rays to identify possible lung damage.
How to prevent occupational respiratory system diseases
Diseases caused by long-term exposure to coal dust in mines can be prevented by avoiding worker exposure to disease-inducing particles. In fact, inhaled carbon microparticles cannot be eliminated or expelled by the lungs and are destined to build up over time.
The 1969 Coal Mine Health and Safety Act establishes that it is the responsibility of employers to ensure that the concentration of particles in the working environment does not exceed 8.0 mg per cubic meter with an average of 2.0 mg per cubic meter.
Furthermore, workers need to be provided with personal protective equipment for the protection of the respiratory system. An appropriate choice could be a powered air purifying respirator with particulate filters to block out even the finest dust particles. Naturally, mines are rather hostile and difficult to manage work environments, which is why respiratory protective devices for miners should also be comfortable and facilitate breathing even when working under strain.
They should also be provided with a wide field of vision and check valves to expel exhaled and any excess air thus also preventing the build-up of carbon dioxide which is a cause of the visor fogging up.
Aug 6 2018
Occupational lung diseases: how to prevent them
Which are the more serious occupational lung diseases?
The occupational diseases that can damage the lungs are really numerous. Hereunder is a spectrum of the more common ones, some of which are particularly dangerous as they do not simply deteriorate the quality of life, but can actually lead to death:
These are just a few of the occupational lung diseases present among workers.
Of particular importance are the diseases caused by mining activities where there is a high risk of developing fibro genic pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung disease. This usually begins with the inhalation of disease-inducing particles and the build-up of these particles in the lungs leads to the formation of fibrotic tissue that replaces healthy lung tissue to the point that breathing is compromised. This pathology can also damage the heart, over time. In most cases, a diagnosis is reached based on the symptoms, e.g. respiratory deficiency, associated to the patient’s history and X-rays to identify possible lung damage.
How to prevent occupational respiratory system diseases
Diseases caused by long-term exposure to coal dust in mines can be prevented by avoiding worker exposure to disease-inducing particles. In fact, inhaled carbon microparticles cannot be eliminated or expelled by the lungs and are destined to build up over time.
The 1969 Coal Mine Health and Safety Act establishes that it is the responsibility of employers to ensure that the concentration of particles in the working environment does not exceed 8.0 mg per cubic meter with an average of 2.0 mg per cubic meter.
Furthermore, workers need to be provided with personal protective equipment for the protection of the respiratory system. An appropriate choice could be a powered air purifying respirator with particulate filters to block out even the finest dust particles. Naturally, mines are rather hostile and difficult to manage work environments, which is why respiratory protective devices for miners should also be comfortable and facilitate breathing even when working under strain.
They should also be provided with a wide field of vision and check valves to expel exhaled and any excess air thus also preventing the build-up of carbon dioxide which is a cause of the visor fogging up.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •