Who is at risk for work-related lung disease? You may be at risk
for work-related lung disease if the air you breathe at work
contains an excessive amount of dust, fumes, smoke, gases,
vapors or mists. Workers who smoke are at a much greater risk of
lung disease if they are exposed to substances in the workplace
that can cause lung disease. Poor ventilation, closed-in working
areas and heat increase the risk of disease. Outside air
pollution also can increase the risk of lung disease in people
who work in jobs that expose them to substances that can cause
lung disease. What substances in the workplace can cause lung
disease? Many substances found in the workplace can cause
breathing problems or lung damage. Some of them include the
following: - Dust from such things as wood, cotton, coal,
asbestos, silica and talc. Dust from cereal grains, coffee,
pesticides, drug or enzyme powders, metals and fiberglass can
also hurt your lungs. - Fumes from metals that are heated and
cooled quickly. This process results in