Key takeaways
- Many jobs involve lung irritants.
- Silica dust is a major hazard.
- Wet cutting and extraction reduce dust.
- Respirators must fit properly.
- Tell your doctor about your job.
Occupational exposures are a leading cause of lung problems worldwide, and most of them are preventable.
Jobs with higher exposure
| Job | Common exposure |
|---|---|
| Construction | Silica, cement and drywall dust |
| Woodworking | Wood dust |
| Farming | Grain dust, mould, animal dander |
| Welding | Metal fumes |
| Cleaning | Chemical sprays |
| Hairdressing | Aerosols, dyes |
How to protect yourself
Control the dust at source
Use wet cutting, tools with dust extraction and HEPA vacuums instead of dry sweeping or compressed air.
Ventilate
Work in well-ventilated areas and use local exhaust ventilation for fumes.
Wear the right respirator
Use an N95 or P100 respirator, get fit-tested, shave where the seal sits and replace filters as directed. Simple paper dust masks are not enough.
Leave dust at work
Change out of work clothes before going home so dust does not follow you.
After the shift
Drink water, breathe fresh air, avoid smoking (which multiplies the harm of many dusts) and stay active. LungExpand Pro offers daily support for natural airway clearing with serratiopeptidase and ivy leaf, plus mullein and coltsfoot to soothe the throat and chest.
Sources
- NIOSH (CDC) – "Hierarchy of controls" and "Respirator trusted-source information."
- OSHA – "Silica, crystalline."
- American Lung Association – "Occupational lung diseases."
Common questions
Which jobs are hardest on the lungs?
Construction, mining, farming, woodworking, welding and some cleaning jobs.
Is a dust mask enough?
Usually not; a fit-tested N95 or P100 respirator gives much better protection.
What should I tell my doctor?
Your job and what you are exposed to, along with any breathing symptoms.