Occupational lung disease is most often caused by repeated, long-term exposure to irritants or toxic substances, resulting in both chronic and acute conditions related to the lungs. Some of the most common occupational lung diseases include asbestosis, silicosis, occupational asthma, mesothelioma, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis or black lung, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Other lung disorders such as COPD and lung cancer can result from workplace exposure. There are certain jobs that put workers at a higher risk for developing occupational lung disease. These jobs include construction, industry, farming, mining and firefighting.
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