Professions Susceptible To Lung Disease

Which Professions and Activities Are Linked to Lung Disease?

Anyone who is exposed to airborne contaminants such as fumes, dust and chemicals in their workplace is at an increased risk of developing a range of lung diseases. However there are some industries and activities that carry a higher risk than others, due to the nature and volume of potentially dangerous particles that might be inhaled. These include:

Construction and Demolition workers – the dusts and chemicals that these workers are sometimes exposed to can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Healthcare workers – many people are sensitive to the powder in latex gloves, as well as the huge range of chemicals and cleaning products which these workers are frequently subjected to.

Factory workers – inhalation of fumes, dusts and chemicals in factories is responsible for many cases of COPD and other lung diseases.

Textile Workers – the dusts and particles given off by cotton and other textiles can lead to a range of lung issues including Byssinosis

Farmers and agricultural workers – microbes and spores can be release from mouldy crops can cause the development of Farmer’s Lung, alongside a wide range of other dusts and fumes that have been linked to lung diseases.

Bakers – enzymes used to change the consistency of dough as well as allergens contained within flour can both cause serious lung complaints, baking is commonly linked with occupational asthma.

Vehicle Manufacture and maintenance – chemical treatments and spray-painting are common causes of lung conditions, but in addition to those, being around vehicle exhaust fumes on a regular or long-term basis can be very dangerous indeed due to the chemicals contained within the burnt fuels, as well as the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Mining – a dangerous occupation on many levels, the risk of inhaling dusts and chemicals while in a confined space underground needs no explanation and many miners go on to suffer from silicosis, COPD and pneumoconiosis; also known as black lung.

Transport workers – anyone who spends long periods of time exposed to exhaust fumes from vehicles can be at risk of developing lung disease. Particulates in diesel fumes are particularly dangerous and so truck drivers, train drivers, taxi drivers and many other vehicle operatives can be at an increased risk.

Firefighters – firefighters commonly use fairly robust breathing apparatus when dealing with fires and chemical leaks but depending on the nature of the contaminant and the levels of exposure, this protection is sometimes not sufficient to keep them safe.

Within these professions there are specific roles which carry higher risks than others, and certain activities can be responsible for spreading the potentially dangerous particles around. These include:

• Cutting or polishing
• Milling, grinding or sanding of particular substances
• Transportation and moving of substances
• Accidents where substances are released into the atmosphere
• Breaking up or disposing of certain substances
• Cleaning and maintaining areas where substances have been stored
• Burning substances

Call us now on 0800 122 3130 or click here to start your claim.