Occupational Lung Disease

For many people lung problems are tied to smoking, but for a significant minority, the problems are not from their personal choices but their occupational choice. The causes of occupational lung disease can be classified into several broad categories.

First are the inhaled dusts and mists. These irritants settle in the lungs and can not become airbourne again. As a result they form deposits in the lungs which restrict lung function. One of the conditions that results from these deposits is Pneumoconiosis.

This condition is the result of inhaled mineral or organic dust particles. It is similar to "Black Lung Disease", a condition caused by coal dust and common in coal miners. As a result of this condition, the lung function is restricted by fibrosis and eventually emphysema.

Another condition which is occupationally related is Asbestos. This is the result of inhalation of asbestos particles. While many areas have cleaned up asbestos problems in the environment, many other places still have buildings and other structures with asbestos in them. As a result, the fibers of asbestos are able to be inhaled and this condition is the end result.

The other occupational cause is inhaled vapors and gasses. Often these do not cause actual physical damage to the lungs as they do gas absorption problems which can result in side effects ranging from getting "high" to asphyxiation. These gasses and vapors act to restrict the amount of oxygen entering the blood stream or to replace the oxygen with toxic substances.

Some examples of these gasses and vapors are such things as methylene chloride, various chloroethanes and chloroethylenes. These gasses give off vapors which at first cause euphoria, then lead to coma and death. They act much like the effects of solvent inhalation, such as often happens with such activities as glue sniffing, etc.

Other gasses simply cause asphyxiation, such as carbon monoxide. This colorless, odorless gas which is found in such places as auto exhaust emissions and inappropriate furnace venting, can be fatal. Unfortunately, this gas is a byproduct of any industrial process that involves the combustion of fossil fuels.

Occupational lung diseases are a serious yet under rated form of COPD which can have fatal consequences if not dealt with properly. If you suspect you have been exposed to an occupational risk, contact your physician and have your health status checked. In this way you can help to maintain your ability to breath and enjoy life to its fullest.

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