| Globally agents known to induce
respiratory diseases must be identified along with information about the concentrations
and the duration of exposure required to produce ill health effects. Complete avoidance of
these agents via replacement with more suitable substances would be the strategy of first
choice. When this is not feasible, a strategy of reduction of exposure and follow-up of
exposed workers is employed. |
Those at risk of developing CRDs related
to occupational health hazards are those who work in settings where agents are known to
induce respiratory diseases and their family members. Those who may be at particular risk
in some instances include those with low lung function and people with rhinitis, or other
atopic diseases. Important exposure related diseases include:
- Pneumoconiosis in coal miners
- Allergic and non allergic occupational lung disease in grain mill
workers
- Asbestosis in shipyard workers
- Byssinosis in cotton workers
- Silicosis in hard rock miners
- Allergic alveolitis in farmers
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Early detection of occupational pulmonary
diseases is vital. Once the diagnosis is established, complete avoidance of the relevant
exposure is the ideal prevention. Reduction of exposure through substitution and adequate
occupational hygiene measures could be an alternative approach.
Redeployment to less harmful processes of those injured by their work, and adequate
compensation are important.
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