Occupational Lung Disease

People are often surprised at how many conditions of the lungs are caused by workplace exposures. These conditions fall into the category of occupational lung disease and are caused by extended exposure to harmful, toxic particles that mix with the air and enter the lungs of workers. 

According to the American Lung Association, there are two main categories of occupational lung disease: non-occupation specific diseases and lung diseases linked to a specific occupation. Non-occupation specific diseases are conditions that can only be aggravated at work like asthma. Lung conditions linked to a specific occupation means the person’s occupation is the sole cause of the disease like a coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (black lung) or mesothelioma. 

Mesothelioma is considered an occupational lung disease; the majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos on the job. Some of the occupations linked to asbestos exposure include:

• Auto mechanics
• Military members
• Plumbers
• Pipefitters/Steamfitters
• Factory workers
• Mechanical engineers
• Miners
• Firefighters
• Electricians
• And more

Mesothelioma as an Occupational Lung Disease

Despite being regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos use continued well into the 70s and, in some cases, beyond. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. So many workers exposed to asbestos fibers decades ago may just now begin to notice mesothelioma symptoms.

The Simmons Firm has represented thousands of individuals with mesothelioma. Between the years 1999 and 2005, approximately 18,000 mesothelioma deaths were reported. The American Lung Association states those deaths were 81 percent men, 95 percent of which were Caucasian.

As part of Healthy Lung Month, please help us raise mesothelioma awareness. Share this article or others you find about mesothelioma and lung disease. You can also learn about more occupations and asbestos exposure now on our website.

Healthy Lung Month & Mesothelioma Awareness

The month of October is Healthy Lung Month. This health observance is sponsored by the American Lung Association and strives to increase national awareness pertaining to the warning signs of diseases of the lungs along with promoting healthy maintenance of the lungs.

Throughout Healthy Lung Month, activities and events will occur all over the U.S. in support of education and healthy living for strong, healthy lungs. The American Lung Association offers ways for all people to get involved including community events, social media activity, volunteering, and advocating for lung health-related public policy initiatives.

Healthy Lung Month’s goal is to educate people on the warning signs of diseases of the lungs; this includes asbestos-related diseases like pleural mesothelioma, a disease our clients at the Simmons Firm struggle with daily. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the smooth lining of the lungs and is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma. It exhibits a long latency period, with symptoms appearing years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms associated with lung disease are also commonly associated with pleural mesothelioma, including:

• Chronic fluid production: Mucus, a fluid produced by the airways, is a defense response to infection or irritants. Mucus production that lasts for long periods of time could indicate mesothelioma or lung disease.
• Chronic cough: A persistent cough that does not go away.
• Difficulty breathing: Wheezing or difficulty taking breaths could point to a bigger problem within the chest or lungs.
• Chronic chest pain: Unexplained chest pain that lasts for longer than a month can be a warning sign of mesothelioma or lung disease. It’s especially critical if it gets worse when breathing or coughing.
• Unexplained weight loss: A decrease in weight loss that is not voluntary by dieting or an increase in exercise can be a warning sign of mesothelioma or lung disease. It’s especially concerning if a significant amount of weight is lost in a short period of time.

Take part in Healthy Lung Month and help spread the word on warning signs of pleural mesothelioma and any other disease affecting the lungs.  Learn more today.