Occupational Lung Disease

Work-related lung diseases are lung problems that are made worse in certain work environments. They are caused by long-term exposure to certain irritants that are breathed into the lungs. These lung diseases may have lasting effects, even after the exposure ends.

Particles in the air from many sources cause these lung problems. These sources include factories, smokestacks, exhaust, fires, mining, construction, and agriculture. The smaller the particles are, the more damage they can do to the lungs. Smaller particles are easily inhaled deep into the lungs. There, they are absorbed into the body instead of being coughed out: