Occupational Lung Diseases

Click on each disease heading below for more worker information and health professional reporting information.

Asbestosis is a type of pneumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Onset is generally insidious with cough and shortness of breath being the most common symptom. Evidence of disease occurs at least 10 years after exposure and more commonly 20–30 years after peak asbestos exposure.

Progression of the disease is variable and there are no specific treatments.

Occupational exposure is the most common source of exposure. High-risk occupations include plumbers, pipe fitters, steamfitters, ship builders, and construction workers using asbestos insulation and other asbestos-based materials.

Exposure can also occur through environmental exposure, such as a residence near an asbestos or vermiculite mine or prolonged exposure to a contaminated area.

Biodusts and bioaerosols can cause a variety of occupational lung conditions in workers.

Bioaerosols are complex mixtures of particles consisting of living and dead microorganisms, cellular material from plants and animals, dispersal units (fungal spores and plant pollen), or allergenic proteins. Biodusts include similar organic components that can be projected into the air, but which settle slowly under the influence of gravity.

Both biodusts and bioaerosols can produce a wide range of occupationally related lung conditions that are generally classified as follows: asthma and asthma-like syndromes, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, organic toxic dust syndrome, and chronic bronchitis.

For more information, see the related EpiNet document - P-02188.

Who's at risk?

Agricultural workers, waste handlers, wood processors, and food processors can be at risk.

Chemical pneumonitis is inflammation of the lower respiratory tract caused by aspiration of a chemical agent that is inherently toxic to the lungs.

Signs and symptoms include acute dyspnea, tachypnea, hypoxemia, cyanosis, bronchospasm, and fever. Treatment is primarily supportive, and severe cases can result in pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and death.

Chemical exposures of sufficient intensity to result in chemical pneumonitis are typically occupational in nature. A wide variety of agents are known to produce chemical pneumonitis:

Workers exposed to any of these agents are potentially at risk.

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust.

Silicosis is also associated with autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma), chronic kidney disease, and an increased risk of tuberculosis and lung cancer.

It is a progressive and incurable disease.

Persons working in mining, paint manufacturing, glass and concrete product manufacturing, foundries, brick making, abrasive blasting and sandblasting, construction, and manufacturing of plumbing fixtures can be at increased risk of silicosis.

Additionally, an increasing proportion of silicosis deaths from nonoccupational talc dust exposure (including likely drug use) has been reported in persons aged 15–44 years.

Additional resources

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us!