Byssinosis affects an estimated 35,000 textile workers, to date, both former and current. The disease is characterized by inflamed air sacs in the lungs, leading to fibrous scar tissue in the lungs and abnormal breathing. There are variations of hypersensitivity pneumonitis depending on the occupation, including cork worker's lung, farmer's lung, and mushroom worker's lung. Persons at higher risk for occupational asthma often work in manufacturing and processing operations, farming, animal care, food processing, cotton and textile industries, and refining operations. The best prevention for occupational lung diseases is avoidance of the inhaled substances that cause lung diseases.
Smoking can actually increase the risk for occupational lung disease.
Wear proper protective devices, such as facial masks, when around airborne irritants and dusts. Educate your workers concerning the risks of lung disease. Hire a specially-trained occupational health expert to investigate your work environment for risks for occupational lung diseases. Consult your physician for more information regarding the treatment of occupational lung diseases. Information compiled from National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, American Lung Association, and other organizations listed on the Online Resources page of this web.