Occupational Lung Disease

Occupational lung disease are a major reason for lost work days and loss of productivity in the United States. Millions of American workers are at risk for developing occupational lung disease.

Each of the many occupational lung diseases:

• is caused by exposure to a specific toxin or irritant
• has specific symptoms and treatment
• affects the lungs somewhat differently
• may be diagnosed through specific tests
• differs in how it affects the lungs and how severe it may be

The American Lung Association has specific information about some of the more common of these occupational lung diseases, including:

• asbestosis
• byssinosis
• hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• mesothelioma
• pneumoconiosis
• silicosis

For each occupational lung disease, information about causes, severity, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and other details are included. 

• Understanding Occupational LD 
• Preventing Occupational LD 
• In-Depth Resources