Occupational Lung Diseases

Question 1

How may you know a substance at work could be triggering a lung disease?

Answer 1

More frequent disease occurrence among exposed persons compared to the rest of population

Question 2

Inorganic vs organic causes - what is the difference?

Answer 2

Inorganic dust types are derived from mineral rather than biological elements (organic compounds).

Question 3

What are some examples of inorganic causes? - 6

Answer 3

Asbestos
Coal
Talc
Minerals
Metal dust
Silica

Question 4

What are some examples of organic causes? - 3

Answer 4

Pollens
Cotton
Grains

Question 5

NOTE:

The smaller the particle it is, the further it will go

If it is really small, it can enter circulation

These are described as low molecular and high molecular weight chemicals

Answer 5

NOTE:

The smaller the particle it is, the further it will go

If it is really small, it can enter circulation

These are described as low molecular and high molecular weight chemicals

Question 6

Below are some professions. What type fo LMW chemical agents would they be exposed to?

• Spray painters
• Hair dressers
• Carpenters/forest workers
• Textile industry
• Electronic workers
• Hospital staff
• Cleaners

Answer 6

Spray painters  (isocyanates)
Hair dressers (persulfate)
Carpenters/ Forest workers (wood dust)
Textile industry (dyes)
Electronic workers
Hospital staff (formaldehyde)
Cleaners (chloramine)

Complex plant and animal biological products - cotton etc.
Latex
Yeast

Question 7

Below are some professions exposed to HMW chemical agents:

Bakers
Animal handlers
Detergent industry
Carpet makers
Healthcare industry (latex)
Seafood processors

Answer 7

Below are some professions exposed to HMW chemical agents:

Bakers
Animal handlers
Detergent industry
Carpet makers
Healthcare industry (latex)
Seafood processors

Question 8

Inhalation fever:

What is it?

What is the usual cause?

How is this different from occupational asthma?

How long after exposure do symptoms present?

Metal fume fever:

• This is caused by inhalation of zinc oxide, copper and Mg fumes. What sort of flu-like symptoms would you expect?
• What may be a key symptoms patients complain of?

Answer 8

Inhalation causes a self-limiting flu-like illness

Most commonly caused by HIGH level exposure to irritating agents

OA - they require a susceptibility +/- sensitisation

Fever 
Chills 
Myalgia 
Malaise 
Non-productive cough 

Metallic taste associated with throat infection

Question 9

Metal-induced lung disease:

Usually caused by COBALT

What type of occupation could this occur in?

What could it lead to that is more sinister?

It causes general lung S+S - same with exam

Will it cause obstructive or restrictive disease?

How is it diagnosed?

Rx is removal of affected worker

Chronic Beryllium Disease - What is this very similar to?

Answer 9

Those using cutting tools and drill-tip surfaces

ILD

Restrictive

Lung tissue biopsy

Sarcoidosis - granulomatous inflammatory disorder

Question 10

What can be used in the work place to prevent or reduce the incidence of occupational lung disease

Answer 10

PPE

Question 11

ALSO LOOK AT INTERSTITIAL DISEASE AS DIRECTLY LINKED

Answer 11

ALSO LOOK AT INTERSTITIAL DISEASE AS DIRECTLY LINKED