Lung Diseases and Indoor Air Quality Preventive Measures for At Risk Industries
Improving indoor air quality is essential in preventing occupational lung diseases, especially in at-risk industries, through proper ventilation, protective equipment and strategic preventive measures.
- By Mia Barnes
- Sep 06, 2024
Safety and well-being are always priorities in the workplace, so most industries remove any obstacles that hinder or hurt individuals. Air quality needs more recognition as occupational lung diseases become more rampant across at-risk industries. Employ the practices to safeguard the health of workers.
How Air Quality Affects the Lungs
Poor air quality can negatively affect the lungs. Short-term effects can result in frequent coughing, difficulty breathing and wheezing. A toxic atmosphere can also elicit immediate symptoms such as chest pain and phlegm production.
Employees may also develop work-related asthma. This condition is responsible for up to 23 percent of asthma cases in the U.S. The exact cause can vary based on industry type, as chemical fumes, vehicle exhaust and other contaminants can trigger such attacks.
Depending on the air quality, there are more specific types of lung diseases. For example, coal workers' pneumoconiosis is specifically for mining workers who inhale coal dust regularly. Histoplasmosis is a sickness more commonly associated with pest control workers since they are exposed to contaminated animal droppings.
Lung cancer is among the most dangerous diseases associated with poor indoor air quality. Around 6 percent of outdoor air pollution-related deaths are due to this condition. The toxic atmosphere can also contribute to the development of other illnesses like urinary tract and bladder cancer.
Top Industries at Risk of Lung Disease
Due to air pollution in natural spaces, outside occupations are at risk of lung diseases. However, volatile organic compounds are more common indoors, with levels up to a thousand times higher than outdoors. This covers a variety of industrial spaces, including warehousing, administrative offices, hospitals and schools.
A study on adult asthma decided to investigate the occupations associated with three different subtypes. It first looked into atopic asthma, which is a condition triggered by allergens. Chemical industry workers have an increased risk of this subtype, along with food processors like bakers and waiters.
Non-atopic asthma is slightly less common as it is triggered by factors other than allergens, like weather conditions and infections. Metal workers and agriculture workers are at risk of this, with the study highlighting how they are predominantly male occupations.
Certain occupations, such as electronic production workers and employees exposed to fur and leather, also pose a risk of asthma-COPD overlap. This condition entails extra mucus production and obstructed airflow to the lungs.
Preventing Poor Indoor Air Quality
There are preventive measures to ensure the indoor work environment has good air quality. Investing in proper ventilation is a good starting point. Having a passageway for air flow can regulate the breathability of the building.
One way to achieve ventilation is by adopting a more open building design. Windows and doors aerate the working environment, keeping the air quality as fresh as possible. Human-made ventilation systems are also designed to push air and accompanying pollutants outside a space.
Pair vents with air-cleaning technology. Air purifiers can reduce allergens, which is helpful in closed-off spaces where atopic asthma thrives. HEPA filters are one of the most recommended additions for air quality maintenance. They can remove 99.97 percent of dust, pollen and other harmful airborne particles to protect the lungs.
It’s also important for workplaces to adopt better humidity control. Warmer and lighter air can pull pollutants from the ground to higher altitudes. Offices typically have air conditioning units to keep the space cool, minimizing those air contaminants from traveling through the atmosphere.
Cleaning the floors and other surfaces of a workspace can also go a long way. Without dust bunnies and mold, the indoor air quality will be much better for the lungs. Different forms of bacteria may need a specific disinfectant to eliminate them from the environment, so make sure to use the appropriate solution.
It’s also essential to invest in deep cleaning. A daily sweep can do so much, but one must be more thorough in airing contaminants throughout the facility. Depending on the area size, it may even be necessary to schedule it more often for maximum sanitation.
Another way to mitigate poor indoor air quality is to lessen contact with those contaminants. It lowers the likelihood of developing lung diseases. Appeal to your employer to contain those spaces or mark them as danger zones.
Granted, several jobs, such as those of chemical industry workers and clinicians, require working near those pollutants. The next case scenario is to uphold a proper schedule to avoid excessive exposure. Scheduling breaks will also let the lungs recover from the hazardous substances present in the air.
Utilize personal protective equipment to minimize contact. Masks and respirators are ideal for filtering out harmful air particles. Different face coverings have varying filtration efficiency and fluid barrier levels, so assess your personal needs.
If working at the office, a surgical mask may suffice since it minimizes contact with liquids and allows you to breathe. They offer just enough coverage from respiratory germs.
Meanwhile, an N95 respirator is a more robust protective device as it efficiently filters airborne particles when used in healthcare facilities. It creates a tight seal around the nose and mouth, so see whether you need such a strong facial fit.
Protect Your Lungs From the Air
The probability of lung diseases increases in industries with poor air quality. Employees must be vigilant when facing such harsh conditions. Use PPE and advocate for better work practices. These changes can prevent contaminants from harming your health.