Key points
- Systematic under-reporting and difficulties in attributing causation both contribute to underappreciation of the burden of occupational respiratory diseases.
- Work-related exposures are estimated to account for about 15% of all adult asthma cases.
- Both the accumulation of toxic dust in the lungs and immunological sensitisation to inhaled occupational agents can cause interstitial lung disease.
- Despite asbestos use being phased out, mesothelioma rates are forecast to continue rising owing to the long latency of the disease.
- The emergence of novel occupational causes of respiratory disease in recent years emphasises the need for continuing vigilance.
See the entire Occupational-lung-diseases Chapter