The common misconception is that only coal miners suffer from occupational lung disease. Factory workers, mechanics, hairdressers, and farmers are just some of the occupations at risk for lung disease. Even working in an office can lead to lung disease if asbestos was present.

If you work in a profession or environment where you were often exposed to dust, airborne debris, or chemicals, you might be at risk for one of these lung diseases.

1) Asthma

Asthma is one of the most commonly developed occupational-related illnesses. Prolonged exposure to almost any airborne debris or pollution can cause or trigger asthma. If you have pre-existing asthma, it could be triggered and made worse by an unclean office and high humidity. When asthma develops, not only is it painful and debilitating, but it's also costly. Asthma requires a whole host of medications to manage.

2) Silicosis

Silicosis is a condition that develops primarily in stoneworkers and construction workers from breathing in the dust of crystalline silica present in many rocks. Your body reacts against the foreign particles by growing nodules and scar tissue around them. If left untreated, the nodules can grow so large they inhibit breathing ability. It can also devolve into a case of tuberculosis. Unfortunately, silicosis in incurable, which is why you should contact a personal injury attorney, even if it has been years since you worked for the company, to make sure you get the care you deserve.

3) COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another alarmingly common occupational related disease. COPD is actually a term that encompasses progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD tends to appear as you age and you may initially mistake it as a normal sign of aging. If your coughing and wheezing continues to increase and you were exposed to debris, dust, or chemicals throughout your career, you might be one of the thousands suffering from occupational-related COPD.

4) Lung Cancer

Even a few decades ago, smoking cigarettes in the workplace was a culturally acceptable norm. There's no question that second hand smoke can cause lung cancer. Additionally, exposure to almost any fumes and debris could cause lung cancer.

Are you facing lung disease you think might be attributed to your occupation? Don't hesitate to contact an attorney to make sure you get the compensation you need. You don't deserve to be paying medical bills in your later years because of risks you were exposed to through your occupation

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