Occupations Linked to Lung Diseases

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
  • No Smoking Sign
    Is Your Job Hazardous to Your Lungs?
    Smoking is the number one cause of lung disease. But there are many occupations that harm the lungs, too. If you or a loved one works in one of these jobs, it’s important to be aware of your risk and talk with your doctor. It’s also vital that you don’t add to your risk by smoking.
  • Miners
    Miners
    Pneumoconiosis, also called Black Lung Disease, is common among miners who breathe in coal mine dust. This scars the lungs and can lead to emphysema, shortness of breath, and premature death. Laws are now in place to help protect miners from this disease.
     
  • construction worker, construction, worker, building, foundation
    Construction Workers
    Asbestos is a mineral that, in the past, was used for industrial purposes, from insulating pipes to fireproofing drywall. It’s made up of tiny fibers that can move through the air. When breathed in, the particles can build up on the lungs, causing scar tissue and increasing the risk for lung cancer and other lung diseases. Construction workers are at risk of being exposed to asbestos when working on older buildings.
     
  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Electricians
    Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Electricians
    Like construction workers, these industry workers are often exposed to harmful asbestos, which can be common throughout older buildings.
     
  • Farmers
    Farmers
    Working close to the earth can be very rewarding, but it may be hazardous as well.  Farmer’s Lung—also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis —is an untreatable lung disease that can result in a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. It often occurs in farmers because of their exposure to dust from moldy hay, straw, and grain.
     
  • Firefighters
    Firefighters
    Firefighters risk their lives in more ways than one. While these brave individuals fight flames and burning buildings, their lungs are fighting off the harmful gases, vapors, and particles that can be found in smoke. These irritants can lead to lung disease.
     
  • Janitors, Housekeepers, and Hospital Workers
    Janitors, Housekeepers, and Hospital Workers
    People who work with or are exposed to a variety of cleaning agents may be doing a disservice to their lungs. These agents contain a variety of chemicals that, when breathed in, can lead to asthma.
     
  • Welders, Furnace Workers, and Other High-Heat Operators
    Welders, Furnace Workers, and Other High-Heat Operators
    People who work in high-heat operations or where chemical reactions occur are at increased risk for lung cancer and other forms of lung disease due to exposure to harmful fumes and gases.
     
  • Man with doctor
    If You're at Risk, Take Action
    Visit your doctor to discuss potential hazards you’re exposed to that may affect your lungs. And if appropriate, talk with your supervisor about the need for adequate ventilation or new practices that can reduce your risk for exposure.
     
Occupations Linked to Lung Diseases
  1. Occupational Respiratory Disease. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/safety/work/134.html
  2. Asthma and Cleaning Products. New Jersey Department of Health. http://nj.gov/health/eoh/survweb/wra/documents/wra_cleaning_products.pdf
  3. Faces of Black Lung. CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb081808_blacklung.html
  4. Occupational Lung Disease. American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/assets/documents/publications/solddc-chapters/occupational.pdf
  5. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis/
  6. Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis/symptoms-diagnosis.html
  7. What are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/asb/asb_whatare.html
  8. Lung Disease. National Women’s Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/lung-disease.cfm
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Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 19
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.