Occupational pneumoconioses

chinacdc.cn | Updated: 2022-03-01
1.What are occupational pneumoconioses?
The occupational pneumoconioses are a group of interstitial lung diseases caused by the inhalation of certain workplace dusts and the lung tissue's reaction to them. 
 
2.Types
Chinese laws identify 12 kinds of pneumoconioses.
 
The most common ones are asbestosis, silicosis, and coal workers'pneumoconiosis. Other forms of pneumoconioses can be caused by inhaling dusts containing graphite, talc, mica, aluminum, and other substances. There are also other types of occupational pneumoconioses such as carbon black pneumoconiosis, cement pneumoconiosis, potter's pneumoconiosis, welder pneumoconiosis, and founder pneumoconiosis.
 
3.Symptoms
In its early stages, damage caused by pneumoconioses in patients can be compensated for by the body, generally with no or only slight symptoms. With the progression of the diseases and the emergence of complications, there can be different symptoms and signs.
 
The most common symptoms of occupational pneumoconioses are persistent cough, expectoration, chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as wheezing and hemoptysis. Fever, liver enlargement and edema may arise from other complications.
 
4.Diagnosis
If people suspect that they have an occupational pneumoconiosis, they can visit the occupational disease diagnosis institution at the place where the employer is located, where they live or where their hukou was registered, for diagnosis. They should provide details of current work and its environment, clinical manifestation and timing, and living habits and medical history, especially any records on respiratory diseases.
 
5.Prevention
Workers engaged in operations with a risk of dust exposure should remember these health tips.
Take a physical examination and dust prevention training before starting work; 
 
Use dust masks; 
 
Regularly take occupational health examinations to get early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment; 
 
Ensure nutrition and try to prevent complications such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia and emphysema.
 
6.Tips for choosing and using dust masks
Select dust masks that meet safety standards; 
 
Wear a mask at all times during work according to standard operating procedures; 
 
Wear it tightly. When inhaling, make sure dust cannot enter from the gap between your face and the dust mask;
 
Replace the filter membranes or filter tanks regularly.