Table: Workers at Risk of Environmental Lung Disease

Workers at Risk of Environmental Lung Disease

Disease	Affected Workers
Asbestosis Asbestosis Asbestosis is widespread scarring of lung tissue caused by breathing asbestos dust. Asbestosis causes shortness of breath and a decreased ability to exercise. Diagnosis is usually made with... read more	Construction workers and home remodelers who install or remove materials (including insulation) that contain asbestos Shipyard workers Workers who mine, mill, or manufacture asbestos
Pneumoconiosis	Barium workers Iron miners Tin workers Welders
Beryllium disease Beryllium Disease Beryllium disease is a lung inflammation caused by inhaling dust or fumes that contain beryllium. Most people with beryllium disease have gradual development of coughing, difficulty breathing... read more	Aerospace workers Metallurgical (castings) workers
Bronchiolitis obliterans	Flavorings workers (popcorn workers’ lung) Military personnel deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan
Byssinosis Byssinosis Byssinosis is a narrowing of the airways caused by inhaling cotton, flax, or hemp particles. Byssinosis may cause wheezing and tightness in the chest, usually on the first day of work after... read more	Cotton, hemp, jute, and flax workers
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by deposits of coal dust in the lungs. People generally have no symptoms, but people who have severe disease cough and become short of breath... read more	Coal workers Graphite workers
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a type of inflammation in and around the tiny air sacs (alveoli) and smallest airways (bronchioles) of the lung caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled... read more	Office workers when the air-conditioning systems become contaminated by certain fungi and bacteria Swimming pool and spa workers (because of contaminated sprays) Farmers, mushroom workers, milling and construction workers, bird keepers, people exposed to isocyanates (urethanes)
Occupational asthma Occupational Asthma Occupational asthma is a reversible narrowing of the airways caused by inhaling work-related particles or vapors that act as irritants or cause an allergic reaction. Occupational asthma may... read more	People who work with grains, western red cedar wood, castor beans, isocyanates (urethanes), dyes, antibiotics, epoxy resins, tea, and enzymes used in manufacturing detergent, malt, leather goods, latex, jewelry, abrasives and paints used in automobile body repairs, animals, shellfish, irritating gases, vapors, and mists Military personnel deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan
Silicosis Silicosis Silicosis is permanent scarring of the lungs caused by inhaling silica (quartz) dust. People develop difficulty breathing during exercise that sometimes progresses to shortness of breath even... read more	Certain coal miners (for example, those who drill or blast rock) Foundry workers Lead, copper, silver, and gold miners Potters Sandblasters Sandstone or granite cutters Tombstone makers Tunnel workers Workers who make abrasive soaps Workers who fabricate or install countertops manufactured from engineered silicates
Silo filler’s disease	Farmers