lung and airway disorders
Overview of Environmental and Occupational Lung Disease
Introduction
Environmental and occupational lung diseases result from inhalation of dusts, chemicals, gases, fumes, and other airborne exposures. The lungs are continually exposed to the external environment and are susceptible to many occupational and environmental challenges. Disease resulting from environmental or occupational exposures can involve any part of the lungs, including the Airways, which are the organs (such as the throat, trachea, and bronchi) that bring air to the lungs Alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs of the lungs Pleura, which are membranes that line the chest cavity and surround the lungs As examples, the airways are affected in Work-Related Asthma , Inhalation exposures have long been known to cause asthma (see Work-Related Asthma ). More recently, they have also been recognized as a cause of Doctors who suspect an environmental or occupational lung disease ask specifically about industry and job tasks, past and current exposures, and whether symptoms seem to be related to work, home, or other environments. 