As a nurse specializing in thoracic (chest) surgery, I often see patients with lung diseases that may be related to the work they do or have done in the past. We call these occupational lung diseases.
Workplace exposure can damage lungs in a variety of ways. It can affect people in a variety of jobs, from manufacturing to firefighting.
Knowing your risk can help you take steps to protect yourself. And if you’ve been exposed to possible hazards, knowing the early symptoms of lung disease can help you get the right care quickly. That can make a difference to your health and quality of life.
Here’s what I wish everyone knew about work-related lung disease.
There are different types of occupational lung diseases
Being exposed to lung irritants at work can cause, contribute to, or worsen a variety of lung diseases. For example:
- Silicosis is caused by breathing in silica dust, a mineral found in sand and rocks.
- Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is often caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was used in insulation and fireproofing materials. Because the disease develops slowly, many workers are just now feeling the health effects of the asbestos they were exposed to years ago.
- Asbestosis is a scarring of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
- Coal workers pneumoconiosis, or “black lung disease,” is caused by inhaling coal dust.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic reaction. It’s caused by breathing in substances such as mold, bacteria, and bird feathers or droppings. Over time, it can lead to lung scarring.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While smoking is the main cause of COPD, the risk of developing this condition also is higher if you’re exposed to dust, fumes, gases, and vapors at work.
- Work-related asthma is asthma that is caused or worsened by breathing substances at work, such as dust, mold, or cleaning products.
Are you at risk?
Many occupations can be linked to a higher risk of developing lung disease. That includes:
- Mining
- Construction
- Concrete cutting
- Shipbuilding
- Sandblasting
- Farming and ranching
- Firefighting
- Manufacturing
Your risk depends on the type of work you do and the substance you are or were exposed to. Common lung irritants include:
- Dust
- Chemicals
- Airborne particles
- Fumes
- Fungal spores
These substances can harm the lungs in several ways. For example, some particles can inflame the lungs and lead to scarring and stiffness, called pulmonary fibrosis. This makes it hard to breathe. Other substances may raise the risk of lung cancer.
Usually, work-related lung damage occurs over many years of repeated exposures, but there are exceptions. And for some of my patients, inhaling a lung irritant can trigger flare-ups of a preexisting lung disease, like asthma, soon after exposure.
Protect your lung health in the workplace
The most important thing you can do to avoid occupational lung diseases? Reduce your exposure to substances that cause breathing problems. To protect yourself:
- Use proper protective equipment. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as face masks or respirators, when working with things that can cause lung disease.
- Follow workplace safety rules. Read and follow any warnings posted at your workplace. Your employer may offer additional advice tailored to your specific job.
- Speak up. Report any problems with your protective gear or equipment (such as ventilation systems) to your supervisor right away.
- Follow your asthma management plan. If you have asthma, follow the steps your doctor suggests to avoid your personal asthma triggers at work. You might ask your supervisor about ways to adjust your job or your work environment so that these triggers may be avoided.
Spot signs of workplace lung disease
The signs and symptoms of workplace lung diseases can vary, depending on the condition. Some warning signs in general may include:
- Coughing, which may bring up mucus
- Shortness of breath, which may be worse when you’re doing activities
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing, which is a whistling sound in your chest when you breathe
- Frequent lung infections
Pay attention to when you experience symptoms. With some conditions, you may notice that your symptoms:
- Started soon after you started a new job
- Improve when you’re at home or on vacation
Many people exposed to hazardous dust and chemicals at work might not have symptoms until years — or decades — after the exposure. If you’ve ever had a job that puts you at risk for occupational lung disease, it’s important to see a doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms I mentioned, no matter how mild.
Tell your doctor about your symptoms, the type of work you do, and what substances you may be or may have been exposed to.
Along with a physical exam, your doctor may recommend imaging tests, like chest x-rays, or pulmonary function tests, which show how well your lungs are working.
Getting the right treatment matters
If you have an occupational lung disease, a pulmonologist can develop a plan for treating the condition. At Temple, our Occupational Lung Disease Program offers experienced, expert care for a wide range of work-related lung conditions.
The right treatment depends on the type of lung disease you have. Your doctor may also recommend medicines, surgery, or other treatments to help manage your symptoms. I often suggest that my patients have periodic lung function tests or lung screenings, as this may help us find and address a problem early.
While the right treatment depends on the details of your condition, I tell every patient with occupational lung disease: It’s crucial to prevent further exposure to things that can damage the lungs at work and in your home life. That might mean making changes at home to avoid cigarette smoke. Or it might mean that it’s time to consider changing your role at work.
Assess your lung health
Are you concerned you might have an occupational lung disease? The specialists at Temple’s Occupational Lung Disease Program are experts at diagnosing and treating work-related lung conditions. Schedule an appointment online or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
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