Occupational lung diseases usually are caused by exposure to dangerous substances in the workplace and can have serious consequences for those who suffer from them. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our occupational disease lawyers are dedicated to serving injured workers in the greater NYC area. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and types of occupational lung disease can help with early detection so you can get the treatment you need to safeguard your health.
Common Occupational Lung Diseases
Exposure to occupational hazards such as mineral dust, asbestos, fumes, mold, and other toxic substances can cause serious lung diseases and cancers. These conditions usually develop over time, so a worker may not even know they are being affected by exposure to toxic substances for decades.
Pneumoconiosis
These occupational lung diseases are caused by the inhalation of dust particles. Some common types include:
- Silicosis – This lung disease is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, which commonly is found in industries such as construction, mining, and sandblasting.
- Black lung disease – Miners exposed to coal, graphite, or man-made carbon dust for prolonged periods can develop this condition, also called coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP).
- Brown lung disease – Textile workers may develop this occupational lung disease if exposed to dust from cotton and other fibers.
- Asbestosis – This occupational lung disease is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, typically found in insulation and construction and shipbuilding materials.
There are two types of pneumoconiosis: simple and complicated. Both cause scarring on the lungs, which can lead to the loss of functionality in blood vessels and air sacs. Chronic cough, shortness of breath, and copious amounts of phlegm are common symptoms. These occupational lung diseases can be prevented with the vigilant use of respirators, adequate ventilation, and monitoring of dust levels.
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is caused by exposure to inhaled allergens or irritants in the workplace, such as:
- Dust from grains, flour, or wood
- Chemical fumes from paints, solvents, or cleaning agents
- Animal dander in laboratories or animal handling facilities
Occupational asthma causes the airways to narrow, which can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms often worsen during work hours and improve when you are not at work. Occupational asthma can be reversed, and symptoms may disappear if dust, fumes, and dander are avoided. If you already have asthma or there’s a history of it in your family, it can put you at greater risk of developing occupational asthma.
Proper use of respirators and other PPE, Implementation of engineering controls to keep exposure levels to a minimum, and regular medical checkups to identify possible damage to the lungs can help prevent occupational asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that limits airflow and causes irreversible damage to the air sacs in the lungs. Inhalation of dust, gases, and fumes or exposure to tobacco smoke in buildings with poor ventilation are common causes of work-related COPD. It commonly affects workers in the mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and nightclub/bar business.
Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, persistent cough, and recurring respiratory infections. Ventilation systems that reduce airborne contaminants, using PPE such as ventilators, regular health screenings for early detection, and quitting smoking can help halt the progression of COPD.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an inflammatory lung disease caused by repeated exposure to organic dust, molds, or other antigens in the workplace. This occupational disease may be triggered by agricultural dust containing mold spores, bird droppings in poultry farms or bird handling facilities, and molds that grow in damp environments such as composting facilities or textile mills.
Symptoms of this occupational lung disease include cough, shortness of breath, chills, and other flu-like symptoms. Proper ventilation, use of respiratory protection, and regular cleaning and maintenance of work areas can help minimize exposure to organic dusts and molds.
Lung Cancers
Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, silica, diesel exhaust, cigarette smoke, and certain chemicals found in the mining, manufacturing, and construction industries can lead to different types of lung cancer, including mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Chronic cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, coughing up blood, and trouble breathing are common symptoms of occupational lung cancer. Reduction of exposure to known carcinogens, proper use of PPE, and regular health screenings for early detection can help mitigate the effects of occupational lung cancers.
How an Occupational Disease Lawyer Can Help
Occupational lung diseases can be debilitating or even deadly. These conditions typically are covered by workers’ compensation, but it can be challenging to prove they are work-related and obtain the full amount of benefits you could be entitled to receive. To collect Social Security Disability payments for an occupational lung disease, it must meet the SSA’s definition of a disability.
These cases are complex, and it can be challenging to prove that a lung disease is work-related. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an occupational disease, a workers’ compensation attorney at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, can evaluate your case and advise you of the best path forward to obtain the benefits you need to protect your health and financial stability.
Schedule a Consultation With an Occupational Disease Lawyer in the Greater NYC Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, we care about injured workers and their families. To schedule a consultation with an occupational disease lawyer in the greater New York City area, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us today. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela provides exceptional legal representation to our Spanish-speaking clients.
