Courtesy American Lung Association

What is it?
Lung disease is the number three killer in America, responsible for1 in 6 deaths. Lung disease and other breathing problems constitute one of the leading causes of death in babies younger than1 year old. Occupational lung disease is the number one work-related illness in the United States based on the frequency, severity, and preventability of diseases. Today, more than 35 million Americans are living with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer andtuberculosis. Other lung diseases include cystic fibrosis, influenza, pneumonia, sarcoidosis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and manyothers.

What causes it?
Particulate matter from cigarette smoke and air pollution, including smoke from poorly ventilated wood stoves and the burning of biomass, are related to lung damage. There are many different types of lung diseases, and the causes often depend on the type of lung disease in question. Asthma, for example, is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. Asthma triggers range from viral infections to allergies, to irritating gases and particles in the air. Each person reacts differently to the factors that may trigger their asthma. Occupational lung diseases are usually caused by extended exposure to irritating or toxic substances that may cause acute or chronic respiratory ailments, although severe single exposures can cause chronic lung disease as well.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a term referring to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD; other risk factors include exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke and occupational dusts and chemicals, a history of childhood respiratory infections and heredity. Asthma and COPD are just two examples of lung disease. To learn more about different types of lung diseases, visit http://www.lungusa.org/ and click on the "Diseases A to Z" buttonat the top of the home page.

How does it affect my job?
The type of lung disease you have determines how it will affect you on the job. A Lung Association survey revealed that half of all COPD patients (51%) say their condition limits their ability to work. Asthma, in 2003, accounted for an estimated 10.1 million lost work days in adults.

Can it be prevented or treated?
Asthma breathing problems usually happen in "episodes" or “attacks,” but the inflammation underlying asthma is continuous. Asthma can be managed. Medications help reduce underlying inflammation in the airways and relieve or prevent airway narrowing.

For COPD, aggressive treatment efforts can and should be employed in the early stages. Smoking cessation is the single most effective – and cost effective – intervention to reduce the risk of developing COPD and slow its progression. COPD lung damage is irreversible, but there are treatments that can improve a patient’s quality of life.

Occupational lung diseases are often not curable, but are always preventable. Improving ventilation, wearing protective equipment, changing work procedures, and educating workers are the key factors for prevention.