6 Worst Jobs for Your Lungs - Article Health

Healthy lungs
Work-related lung problems are unfortunately quite common. Experts estimate that up to 17% of adult asthma in the U.S. may be caused by work exposure, and even when the condition is not due to work, an estimated 22% of adults see their asthma symptoms worsened in the work6place.

Construction
Workers who inhale dust in demolitions or renovations can be at risk for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, a disease that causes scarring and stiffening of lungs.

Manufacturing
Factory workers can be exposed to dust, chemicals, and gases, placing them at risk for both asthma and COPD.Agriculture
Most aspects of agricultural work lead to significant exposures. For example, many agricultural jobs involve exposure to endotoxin, a product of bacterial growth. Modern animal feeding operations also often put very large numbers of cows, chickens, or other animals in close quarters, sometimes in a single building. In addition to allergic responses, human workers may be potentially exposed to high levels of toxic materials such as ammonia or hydrogen sulfide from manure collection pits. These exposures can even be deadly.

Medicine
About 8% to 12% of health care workers are sensitive to latex, which can cause a severe asthma-type reaction. Dr. Harber notes that a latex allergy can even end careers.

Textiles
Byssinosis, also called brown lung disease, is common among textile workers who make upholstery, towels, socks, bed linens, and clothes.

Cleaning
In recent years, we have increasingly recognized that many commonly used disinfectants can cause or worsen asthma, explains Dr. Harber. Hospitals certainly need to disinfect surfaces, but there are ways to help ensure this is done safely to protect workers.



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