Occupational exposure to dust is a reality in many industries, but there are ways to protect yourself.
Learn more about dust exposure and the health problems that may develop — such as chronic respiratory diseases, breathing problems and reduced lung function — and get some safety tips for reducing your exposure to dust on work sites.
Occupational exposure to dust: What to know
Occupational exposure to dust occurs when employees are exposed to various types of dusts in their workplace, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). This exposure can lead to serious health problems and involves numerous industries. Some of the dusts that can be found in the workplace include:
- Silica dust
- Asbestos
- Coal dust
- Soil dust
- Wood dust
Is exposure to dust a workplace hazard?
Exposure to dust in the workplace has been shown to be a serious hazard. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, occupational lung diseases caused by dust are the primary type of occupation-associated illnesses reported in the United States. In addition, studies have shown that dust exposure may be associated with an increased risk for other illnesses.
What health problems may develop from occupational exposure to dust? While lung diseases are the most common health problems caused by dust in the workplace, studies show there are other potential health effects.
Occupational lung disease consists of several different types, according to the ALA:
Silicosis: This is caused by breathing tiny bits of a mineral called silica found in sand, quartz and other rocks. Construction and mine workers are most at risk for silica dust exposure. Drywall dust exposure is one specific example.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever): This is caused by breathing in the fungus Coccidioides, which is found in the soil. Construction workers and farmers are at the highest risk for this disease.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: This occurs when a worker breathes in something which causes an allergic reaction.
Histoplasmosis: Breathing in fungal spores from soil that has been contaminated by bird or bat droppings is the