Question

What are occupational lung diseases? Give a few examples of occupational lung diseases.
​

Answer 1

Answer:

Occupational Lung Diseases

Asbestosis. This condition is caused when a person breathes in tiny asbestos fibers. ...

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis or black lung disease. This is caused by inhaling coal dust. ...

Silicosis. This condition is caused by breathing in airborne crystalline silica. ...

Byssinosis. ...

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. ...

Work-related asthma.

Answer 2

Answer:

Occupational lung diseases:

• A group of lung diseases caused by inhaling atmospheric pollutants at work place is collectively termed as occupational lung diseases.

• The particles causing these diseases are usually superfine. They are carried to the bronchioles and alveoli where they can possibly be cleared only by phagocytosis.

• Larger particles generally trigger the cough reflex and are thrown out.

• The morbid effects of these lung diseases have led to legislation that limit workers exposure to these pollutants.

Few examples of occupational lung diseases can be as follows:

i. Silicosis:

• It is caused by clay, sand and sand stone grinding.
• This may be caused due to long term exposure to dust containing silicon compounds.
• Inhaled silica particles accumulate in the alveoli. These particles are then ingested by the macrophages, and are actively toxic for these cells. The inflammatory reaction is triggered when the macrophages destroy the particles which results in significant fibrosis.
• Silicosis appears to predispose the development of pulmonary tuberculosis, which rapidly progresses to tubercular bronchopneumonia and possibly military tuberculosis (diffuse widespread tuberculosis)
• Gradual destruction of lung tissue leads to progressive reduction in pulmonary function, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.

ii. Asbestosis:

• Asbestosis is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres and usually develops after 10 to 20 years of exposure, but it can be as low as 2 years.
• Asbestos miners and workers involved in making and using some products containing asbestos, are at risk.
• There are different types of asbestos, but blue asbestos is associated with the most serious disease.