What is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is a chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by an allergic reaction to repeatedly breathing organic foreign substances such as microbes, bacteria or fungi, in the workplace.

This occupational lung disease can reach epidemic rates in manufacturing plants where workers are exposed to metalworking fluids. According to a 1997 study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 98 cases of doctor-diagnosed HP occurred in eight manufacturing plants between 1991 and 1997. The severity of the outbreaks ranged from 34 diagnoses within 6 months at one plant to 3 diagnoses over a year at another to 14 diagnoses over 5 years at another.

All eight plants used water-based metalworking fluids or cutting fluids.

Considering that the annual HP rate in the general population is very low (on average between 1 and 4 out of every 10,000 people), researchers concluded that an unquestionable occupational risk of HP exists for industrial workers who are exposed to metalworking fluids. As a result, OSHA safety guidelines require that if even one worker catches the disease, it should trigger the company’s safety protocols including an investigation into the disease’s origin, health screenings of other exposed workers and additional preventative actions to protect workers’ health.

At the Simmons law firm, we have extensive experience working with thousands of patients and their families who have been diagnosed with occupational illnesses. We can help you navigate the process of understanding your diagnosis from a legal standpoint and ensure that no one infringes on your rights. Contact us for a free consultation by emailing us or calling our toll free number.

To learn more about how HP is diagnosed click here.

For more information about the dangers of cutting or metalworking fluids or for a free consultation, please contact us.

Learn more about cutting fluid litigation:

»   Diagnosing Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

»   Symptoms of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

»   Filing a Cutting Fluid Lawsuit

To learn more about how Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is clinically diagnosed click here.