这些工作最不利于肺部健康
Healthy lungs Work-related lung problems are unfortunately quite common. Experts estimate that up to 17% of adult asthma in the U.S. may be caused by work exposure, and even when the condition is not due to work, an estimated 22% of adults see their asthma symptoms worsened in the workplace. Thankfully, most types of occupational lung disease are preventable, says Philip Harber, MD, professor in the department of community, environment, and policy at the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. "Simple control measures can markedly reduce exposure and the risk," he says. Here are the fields that can be risky for your lung health. Construction Workers who inhale dust in demolitions or renovations can be at risk for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, a disease that causes scarring and stiffening of lungs. Many spray-in-place insulation products can lead to asthma if exposure is not properly controlled. Wearing protective gear, including a respirator, when working around older buildings and avoiding smoking (and secondhand smoke) can help. Manufacturing Factory workers can be exposed to dust, chemicals, and gases, placing them at risk for both asthma and COPD. In food plants, diacetyl-a flavoring agent used in microwave popcorn and some packaged snacks-has been linked to a sometimes deadly disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, a close relative of COPD. The good news? Taking some easy steps such as closing the lids on mixing vessels can reduce the potential risks. Newer materials, such as nanoparticles and ITO (indium tin oxide) used to make LCD screens, introduce novel risks to workers. Agriculture Most aspects of agricultural work lead to significant exposures. For example, many agricultural jobs involve exposure to endotoxin, a product of bacterial growth. Modern animal feeding operations also often put very large numbers of cows, chickens, or other animals in close quarters, sometimes in a single building. In addition to allergic responses, human workers may be potentially exposed to high levels of toxic materials such as ammonia or hydrogen sulfide from manure collection pits. These exposures can even be deadly. |