Occupational Lung Disease refers to conditions that have been caused or worsened by a someone’s occupation; such conditions are caused by inhaling mineral dusts. The severity of the disease is related to the dust inhaled and the duration of that exposure.
What are the Types of Occupational Lung Disease?
There are a number of lung-related illnesses that can be associated with previous work exposure. These can include:
- Asthma.
- COPD.
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.
- Lung Cancer.
- Mesothelioma and other Asbestos-related illnesses.
- Pneumoconiosis.
Apart from occupational asthma and other allergic respiratory diseases, the above conditions have long latency periods where symptoms are generally not noticed until decades after exposure.
What are the Symptoms of Occupational Lung Disease?
The most common symptoms of Occupational Lung Disease may include:
- Shortness of breath and a feeling of a tightness in the chest.
- Abnormal breathing pattern.
- Coughing and wheezing.
It must be stressed that symptoms of Occupational Lung Disease may resemble other medical conditions and it is vitally important that you consult your GP for a diagnosis.
Who is at Risk
Anyone who has worked in industries having been exposed to dust and chemicals can be effected by lung disease exposure. Some of the known chemicals that that cause lung disease are the following:
- Arsenic.
- Asbestos.
- Cadmium.
- Coal Dust.
- Diesel Exhaust.
- Nickel.
- Silica.
- Tobacco Smoke.
What should your Employer do ?
In the first instance, employers should as far as reasonably practicable ensure that any exposure to chemicals is avoided. If exposure cannot be avoided, your employer should ensure that adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment is provided when you are exposed to any chemical that can knowingly cause injury to your health. This could include breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
For a FREE initial consultation, call the Industrial Disease Team on 0113 200 9787, or contact us online here to discuss how we can help you.
Tim Fieldhouse
Head of Industrial Disease
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