Occupational Lung Diseases

Worker wearing safety mask and protective clothing painting in manufacturing plant

What are they?

  • Occupational lung diseases happen when workers breathe in certain chemicals, dusts, and fibers that irritate the lungs.
  • These diseases may take a long time to develop. They may have lasting effects on lungs and breathing long after a worker stops working with them.
  • Four lung diseases must be reported to Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, because they are Wisconsin disease surveillance category II reportable diseases.
    • Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. Plumbers, pipe fitters, steamfitters, ship builders, and construction workers can be at risk.
    • Lung diseases from biodusts and bioaerosols are several kinds of lung diseases caused by breathing in particles from plants, animals, and microbes. Agricultural workers, waste handlers, wood processors, and food processors can be at risk.
    • Chemical pneumonitis is a disease in the lower part of the lungs caused by breathing in poisonous chemicals. Workers who make or use certain metals and chemicals can be at risk.
    • Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in crystalline silica dust. Workers at risk are in many industries, including mining, manufacturing, foundries, sandblasting, and construction.

Click on each disease heading below for more worker information and health professional reporting information.

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Last revised March 24, 2025