Occupational Lung Disease

Conditions and Treatments

Certain industrial occupations, such as miners and factory workers, may have a higher risk of developing health conditions due to their work environment. Non-industrial workers, ranging from farmers to laboratory scientists, can also be at risk. The lungs are one of the most susceptible parts of the body to airborne threats. Exposure to certain substances can lead to a variety of occupational lung diseases.

Occupational lung diseases include:

• Asbestosis
• Asbestos-related pleural scarring
• Chronic beryllium disease
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Occupational, work-aggravated and irritant-induced asthma
• Silicosis
• Toxic lung injury

Lung cancer and mesothelioma can also be caused by certain work exposures.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007