Lung Diseases

There are a number of lung diseases that are brought about by poor working conditions; these are called 'occupational lung diseases'. If your working environment has caused you to develop a lung disease then you may be able to claim for an industrial disease.

Working in environments such as coal-mines, factories and manufacturing plants - often referred to as 'dirty industries' - can expose workers to conditions and toxins that may damage their lungs. Perhaps the most infamous of lung diseases is asbestosis disease. This disease, caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, is a common cause for compensation claims. Its hidden or underlying nature - symptoms can take anywhere between 25 and 40 years to develop - means that claims are often made years after the exposure took place. Exposure to asbestos can cause the more rare disease mesothelioma, as well as lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to nickel and types of chromium can also increase the risk of lung cancer, as can radioactivity.

Other 'occupational' lung diseases (lung diseases caused directly by the working environment) include asthma, a condition where the airways become irritated and impair breathing. Occupational asthma can arise from working with electronics, paint spraying and plastics, and even working in bakeries should the worker suffer from an allergy to the flour. COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, is an umbrella term for a number of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis; lung diseases which are often suffered by coal miners and ship welders.

All lung diseases can have a major impact on the life of the sufferer given the importance of lung function in the body; however the types and levels of the disease can vary widely. However, no matter what the type or severity of the occupational lung disease, if it is through the negligence of an employer, there could be a case for an industrial disease claim. Speak to a member of the Claim-Easy team to discuss this area of compensation claims in detail.