Lung disease (not cancer)
Lung disease is any condition that prevents the lungs from functioning properly. It can develop if a worker is exposed to certain biological agents, chemicals, or other substances. Employers must take proper steps to prevent workers from exposure.
- The hazards
- How to reduce the risks
- Resources
The hazards
Some of the common occupational causes of lung disease and their industries are:
| Hazard | Industry or workplace |
| Ammonia | Agriculture Ice rinks Refrigeration systems |
| Asbestos | Construction and demolition Building management and inspection Pulp and paper |
| Chlorine | Pulp and paper Swimming pools Water treatment |
| Drilling fluids | Metal fabricating Oil and gas |
| Hydrogen sulfide | Agriculture Construction Oil and gas Pulp and paper |
| Metalworking fluids | Metal fabricating |
| Mould | Agriculture Building maintenance Construction and demolition |
| Silica | Agriculture Construction & demolition Manufacturing Oil and gas |
How to reduce the risks
If a worker or workers could be exposed to airborne hazards in the workplace, the employer must develop and implement an exposure control plan (ECP). This plan must identify the workers at risk of exposure and the controls that are required to protect those workers. ECPs will be unique to each worksite and work environment. When choosing risk controls, start by asking yourself the questions in the following steps. These steps are listed here in order of effectiveness.
Substitution
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1
Substitution
This involves eliminating the hazard by substituting a safer process or material, where possible. It is the most effective control. Some questions to consider:
- Can a less hazardous material be used?
- Can a different process be used that generates less of the hazardous substance?
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2
Engineering controls
This type of control involves making physical modifications to control the hazard or reduce exposure. Some questions to consider:
- Can local exhaust ventilation be used to reduce worker exposure?
- Can the process be isolated so workers are not exposed to the hazard?
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3
Administrative controls
This type of control involves changing work practices and policies. Awareness tools and training also count as administrative controls. Some questions to consider:
- Have workers been trained on the health effects of exposure to the hazards?
- Are written safe work procedures available?
- Is there an effective personal hygiene program for workers?
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4
Personal protective equipment
This is the least effective type of control, and should be used with at least one other control in place. Some questions to consider:
- Have workers been provided with respirators as required by the exposure control plan? Have workers been fit-tested and trained in respirator use?
- Have workers been provided with protective clothing as required by the exposure control plan?
Resources
Asbestos Learning Series: Lung Disease
Asbestos exposure is the number one killer of workers in B.C. This video, part of the Asbestos Learning Series, explains how airborne asbestos fibres are inhaled and embedded in the lungs, causing diseases...
Health hazards of asbestos
This toolbox meeting guide provides a definition of asbestos and introduces potential health hazards for workers. It is a useful guide and resource for your next safety talk. A record of meeting form...
Silica dust — are you at risk?
Describes what silica is and some construction activities where you may be at risk of breathing silica dust.
The Impact of Asbestos
This video describes the history of asbestos, from its origins as a "miracle" material to its threat to worker health and safety. It includes personal stories from those who've been directly affected...