Occupational Respiratory Disorders 

Occupational respiratory disorders are lung diseases caused by prolonged exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. These disorders are common among people working in industries such as mining, construction, textiles, and manufacturing.
Continuous inhalation of dust, fumes, or chemicals leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and reduced lung function, making occupational respiratory disorders a major concern in occupational health and safety.

1.0What are Occupational Respiratory Disorders?

Occupational respiratory disorders are diseases of the respiratory tract that occur due to inhalation of dust, chemicals, vapours, or biological agents present in the workplace environment.

These disorders are non-infectious and preventable, but if exposure continues, they can become chronic and irreversible.

2.0Common Causes of Occupational Respiratory Disorders

The main causes are related to the nature of industrial work and the type of airborne particles involved.

1. Inhalation of Dust Particles

• Common in mining, quarrying, and construction.
• Dust from coal, silica, or asbestos can accumulate in the lungs.

2. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

• Workers in the chemical industry are exposed to gases such as chlorine, ammonia, and formaldehyde.

3. Organic Dusts and Allergens

• Exposure to grain dust, animal dander, and mould spores in agricultural or textile work.

4. Poor Ventilation and Lack of Safety Measures

• Inadequate air circulation increases the concentration of harmful particles in the air.

3.0Major Types of Occupational Respiratory Diseases

1. Silicosis

• Caused by inhalation of free crystalline silica dust.
• Common among miners, stone cutters, and ceramic workers.
• Leads to fibrosis (scarring) of lung tissue, reducing elasticity and gas exchange capacity.

Symptoms:

• Chronic cough, breathlessness, fatigue, and chest pain.

2. Asbestosis

• Caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres, used in insulation, shipbuilding, and construction.
• Fibres lodge in lung tissue, causing chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
• Prolonged exposure may lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Symptoms:

• Persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.

3. Byssinosis (Brown Lung Disease)

• Caused by inhalation of cotton, flax, or hemp dust.
• Common among workers in the textile industry.
• Leads to bronchial irritation, airway narrowing and chronic cough.

Symptoms:

• Chest tightness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, especially at the beginning of the workweek.

4. Bagassosis

• Caused by inhalation of bagasse dust (the fibrous residue after sugarcane crushing).
• Seen in sugar industry workers.
• Leads to allergic hypersensitivity and inflammation of the lungs (hypersensitivity pneumonitis).

Symptoms:

• Fever, cough, shortness of breath, and lung congestion.

5. Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung Disease)

• Caused by inhaling coal dust over many years.
• Results in accumulation of carbon particles in the lungs and progressive fibrosis.

Symptoms:

• Cough with black sputum, breathlessness, and reduced lung function.

4.0Symptoms of Occupational Respiratory Disorders

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Fatigue
• Reduced work capacity

In advanced cases, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to oxygen deficiency) may appear.

5.0Prevention and Control Measures