According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), over 20,000 workers die yearly from exposure to hazardous materials. In addition, another 50,000 workers die from work-related injuries.
A variety of occupational diseases can cause by exposure to hazardous materials. These diseases can be difficult to diagnose because they may not appear until years after exposure. Working in certain industries or occupations can put you at a greater risk for developing an occupational disease. An occupational disease is any chronic ailment resulting from work or exposure to workplace hazards.
There are many different types of occupational diseases, but some of the most common include:
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Carpal tunnel syndrome:
This condition may occur by constant motions of the wrist and hands. Workplace activities leading to carpal tunnel syndrome include typing, using a computer mouse, and assembly line work. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and wrists. Treatment includes rest, splinting, and surgery. However, using ergonomic devices and taking breaks during repetitive tasks can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, you can visit webmd.com for more information about carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Asbestosis:
According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, asbestosis is a lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Symptoms. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Unfortunately, the prognosis for asbestosis is poor, and there is no cure. However, treatment can help improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. You can visit mesotheliomahope.com to find out more information about asbestosis.
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Chronic beryllium disease:
This disease roots from exposure to beryllium, a metal used in various industries. Industries such as mining, construction, and electronics are at a higher risk for exposure to beryllium. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and coughing. There is no cure for chronic beryllium disease. But, treatment can help improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. However, chronic beryllium disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to the metal. This disease is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may not appear for years after exposure has occurred. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease.
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Lead poisoning:
This condition roots in exposure to lead. Lead is often found in old paint or certain jobs such as construction or auto repair. Symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, and lethargy. Treatment includes chelation therapy and medication. However, lead poisoning can be prevented by avoiding exposure to lead. The prognosis for lead poisoning is good if the condition is caught early. However, if the condition is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems.
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Mercury poisoning:
This condition roots in exposure to mercury. Often, mercury poisoning occurs as a result of exposure to dental amalgams. Symptoms include tremors, irritability, and memory loss. Treatment includes chelation therapy and medication. The prognosis for mercury poisoning is good if the condition is caught early. However, if the condition is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems.
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Silicosis:
This condition is caused by exposure to silicon dioxide, also known as silica. Silica is a component of sand, rock, and concrete. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Treatment includes medication and rest. However, avoiding exposure to silica can be a way to prevent silicosis. TUnfortunately, theprognosis for silicosis However, treatment can help improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. You can visit mayoclinic.org for more information about silicosis. It is not rare cancer, although the rates have decreased since the 1970s.
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Black lung disease:
This disease is caused by exposure to coal dust. The exposure can occur through mining, working with coal, or even living in an area where coal is mined. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Treatment includes medication and rest. However, avoiding exposure to coal dust can prevent black lung disease. The prognosis for black lung disease is poor, and there is no cure. However, treatment can help improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Black lung disease was more common in the past, but now it is preventable using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE includes items such as respirators and dust masks.
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Trench foot:
This condition is caused by exposure to cold and damp conditions. It often occurs in people who work in occupations such as construction, farming, and mining. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet. Treatment includes rest, the elevation of the feet, and warm compresses. However, trench foot can be prevented by avoiding exposure to cold and damp conditions. The prognosis for trench foot is good if the condition is treated early. However, if the condition is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems. Hence, it is important to take preventive measures.
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Heat stroke:
This condition is caused by exposure to high temperatures. The root cause of heat stroke is often dehydration. It often occurs in people who work in occupations such as construction, farming, and mining. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Treatment includes rest and cool compresses. However, heat stroke can be prevented by avoiding exposure to high temperatures. the past few years, the number of cases of heat stroke has been on the rise. It is likely due to the efffects of global warmng.
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Frostbite:
This condition is caused by exposure to cold temperatures. It often occurs in people who work in occupations such as construction, farming, and mining. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and pain in the affected area. Treatment includes rest and warm compresses. The root cause of frostbite is often exposure to cold temperatures. Avoiding eposure to col temperatures is the best way to prevent yourself from a frostbite. Frostbite can occur in any season but is most common in winter.
The Bottom Line:
Many occupational diseases can be caused by exposure to different substances and conditions. The most common include mercury poisoning, silicosis, black lung disease, and trench foot. These conditions can be prevented by avoiding exposure to the substance or condition that causes them. Treatment for these conditions is often available, but the prognosis is usually poor.
Also Read: Tips to Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health.
