cause for this one. Farmers, construction workers, bird farmers and landscapers are at risk for this.
Asbestosis: This is caused by asbestos, a common material used in buildings before the late 1970s. Those most at risk are those who worked in manufacturing, milling, mining, or installation or removal of asbestos before its use was stopped.
Mesothelioma: This is cancer of the lung lining caused primarily by asbestos exposure. In addition to the above workers, those who remodel older homes and pipe fitters are also at risk.
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis: Also called black lung, this occurs when long-term exposure to coal dust causes scarring of the lung.
Asthma (work-related): This accounts for up to 21% of the new cases of adult asthma in the United States. At risk are people in service industries and people in metal work or forestry.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A leading cause of death in the United States, its most common risk factor is smoking. However, exposure to dust can also increase the risk for this lung disease.
Other diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A recent study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed a connection between occupational exposure to dust and an increased risk of RA. In an accompanying editorial, rheumatologist Dr. Jeffrey Sparks, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, noted the finding “demonstrated that several common, occupational inhalable agents are associated with increased risk” of RA.
- Bladder cancer: In a study published recently in the journal BMC Cancer, researchers found there was an increased risk of bladder cancer among men with exposure to silica and asbestos.
Safety tips for reducing exposure to dust on work sites
As employers and employees, it is important to work towards the safest environment possible for all workers. Here are some safety tips for reducing your exposure to dust while at work.
- Wear personal protection equipment (PPE) provided by your employer. If you are self-employed, become educated about the types of dust you come into contact with and the type of mask and/or suit that should be worn
- Work in well-ventilated areas
- Attend all safety training offered by your employer
- Report any respiratory symptoms you experience while at work to your supervisor
- Don’t smoke
- If self-employed or a business owner, invest in proper safety, filtering and ventilation equipment