Lung disease (not cancer)
Lung disease is any condition that prevents the lungs from functioning properly. It can happen at the workplace 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
-
Asbestos
- Silica
- Mould
- Chemicals (Hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, ammonia)
- Metalworking fluids
- Drilling fluids
Some of the common causes of lung disease by industry are:
| Hazard | Industry |
| Ammonia | Agriculture |
| Asbestos | |
| Chlorine |
Swimming pools Water purification |
| Drilling fluids | |
| Hydrogen sulfide | Agriculture |
| Metalworking fluids | Metalworking |
| Mould | |
| Silica | Construction & demolition |
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. These 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
-
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?
-
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?
-
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?
-
4
Personal protective equipment
This is the least effective type of control. When used, there must always be at least one other control in place as well. Some questions to consider:
- Are workers using respirators as required by the exposure control plan?
- Are workers using 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...