Introduction to Occupational Lung Disease Advanced Course

The term occupational lung disease (also known as work-related lung disease), covers a wide variety of lung conditions which are caused by breathing in dust, fumes, gases or other hazardous agents in the work environment. 

These diseases vary greatly in their nature, depending on the hazardous agent and protective measures implemented to reduce or manage exposure. They may be acute or chronic, malignant or non-malignant, or infectious.

The full scale and impact of occupational lung diseases in Australia is still unknown, although the numbers are increasing. The significant growing cases of silicosis and Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) over the last 15 years is particularly concerning.

There are many different occupational lung diseases. Common types include:

• Pneumoconiosis, which includes the following:
  • Asbestosis
  • Silicosis
  • Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Mesothelioma
• Work-related asthma
• Occupational lung infections.

They are caused by a wide range of hazardous agents, including but not limited to dusts, fibres, fumes and gases.

Depending on the type of hazardous agent a patient is exposed to, symptoms may develop immediately or present months, years or decades after exposure. With many occupational lung diseases, symptoms may only present long after exposure to the hazardous agent has stopped, or even after retirement from the workforce.

Depending on the type of occupational lung disease, symptoms will vary. Some patients may even be asymptomatic. Generally, symptoms are vague and characteristic of other lung diseases. Common symptoms of occupational lung diseases include:

           Coughing

           Shortness of breath – after activity or while sitting / at rest

           Chest tightness

           Wheezing

Any patients with known exposure to occupational hazards and experiencing any of the above symptoms should be investigated immediately.