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Which workplace factors can cause occupational diseases?
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occupational disease
The lung disease asbestosis is caused primarily by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. It occurs mainly among workers whose occupations involve exposure to asbestos and people who live near mines, factories, and construction sites.
Occupational diseases are illnesses associated with a particular job or industry, resulting from various factors present in the work environment. These factors are generally categorized into four main areas:12
- Biological factors: Workers may be exposed to infection through contact with animals, raw materials, or contaminated environments. For example, farmers and slaughterhouse workers face risks from brucellosis, salmonellosis, or anthrax depending on their specific tasks and exposure to pathogens.3
- Chemical factors: Inhalation of dusts, gases, and vapors is a primary concern. Exposure to mineral dusts can lead to pneumoconioses, such as silicosis or asbestosis, while organic dusts from flour, grain, or moldy hay can cause respiratory conditions like asthma or farmer’s lung.4
- Physical factors: Excessive noise is a significant physical hazard that can lead to hearing loss or acoustic trauma. High-intensity sound can damage the ear's structures and cause nonauditory effects like stress, fatigue, and dizziness.56
- Psychological factors: The work environment can also impose psychological stressors that affect a worker's health and efficiency.12
Preventing these hazards is a moral and economic imperative, as it protects the workforce, reduces absenteeism, and improves overall productivity.17