Occupational Pulmonary Diseases

Work related pulmonary diseases are in the top TEN causes of occupational disability and death in the United States. Likewise, it also ranks high inmost of the other industrial countries. It is difficult to know the true occurrence of occupational lung disease because of poor documentation. This is especially true when one examines workers’ compensation claims. Most frequently, silica and asbestos are paramount in our discussion of work related pulmonary disease. Little consideration is given to other “dust-related” diseases, irritant reactions, reactive airway responses, and hypersensitivity reactions. The major classification of occupational lung diseases will be discussed. This includes both acute and chronic disease that arises in the work place, especially, the mining industry. It’s more important to make an accurate evaluation and diagnosis for the prevention of disease among other workers.