Occupational lung disease

Question 1

Exposure to the following chemicals is associated with occupational asthma:

Answer 1

• isocyanates - the most common cause
  
  • example occupations include spray painting and foam moulding using adhesives
• platinum salts
• soldering flux resin
• glutaraldehyde
• flour
• epoxy resins
• proteolytic enzymes

Question 2

If occupational asthma lung disease is suspected what investigation is recommended?

Answer 2

Serial measurements of peak expiratory floware recommended at work and away from work.

Question 3

What is silicosis?

Answer 3

Silicosis is a fibrosing lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine particles of crystalline silicon dioxide (silica). It is a risk factor for developingtuberculosis(silica is toxic to macrophages).

Question 4

Occupations at risk of silicosis?

Answer 4

• mining
• slate works
• foundries
• potteries

Question 5

Features of silicosis?

Answer 5

• upper zone fibrosing lung disease
• ‘egg-shell’ calcification of the hilar lymph nodes