Several diseases can be contracted by people working in hazardous environments. Some of the most common diseases you can get from being exposed to harmful environments include:
1. Skin conditions
Working in a harmful environment can cause a range of skin conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are common in the workplace and can be caused by exposure to several different substances. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching, and irritation. It may be caused by contact with certain chemicals or materials, or due to an allergic reaction to something you come into contact with at work. Psoriasis is a condition where patches of thickened skin appear on various parts of the body. The patches are usually itchy and can bleed if scratched too hard. It’s often associated with other symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling. Eczema is another form of inflammation of the skin that causes it to become dry and cracked, leading to itching and irritation. It’s less common than psoriasis but can still occur at work because some substances can trigger reactions in people who have eczema already.
2. Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that can develop after years of asbestos exposure. Health effects depend on how much exposure occurred over time, the size of the particles inhaled, and the chemical form of asbestos. Asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled, eventually lodging in the lungs. Once they are there, they can cause scarring and inflammation of lung tissue. Asbestos exposure may also lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious health conditions. If you or a loved one developed the disease while working, you may be eligible for compensation, so it’s essential to contact a mesothelioma law firm. This can help pay for medical bills and lost wages. Asbestosis is a progressive disease. Symptoms usually take 15 to 20 years after initial exposure. When symptoms do appear, they include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
3. Heart disease
There are many reasons why heart disease kills so many people so young, but one factor is particularly important: work environments that expose employees to high levels of stress and other risk factors for developing serious illnesses later in life. People who work in construction, manufacturing, or mining are at increased risk for heart disease. Working around chemicals such as organic solvents can cause heart disease, especially if you don’t use protective equipment like respirators or other types of personal protective equipment (PPE). If you work with chemicals like benzene and toluene, you may also be at risk for blood disorders such as anemia. This inflammation can lead to high blood pressure and the hardening of your arteries, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
4. Cancer
If you work in a high-risk environment, such as the construction industry or on an oil rig, you may be at increased risk of developing cancer. Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to get it than others. The most common types of cancer linked to workplace exposure include:
Leukemia. This disease affects the blood and bone marrow and can lead to anemia and infection. It’s caused by exposure to benzene in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and other places where gasoline is made.
Lymphoma. This is cancer that starts in the lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissue. It’s caused by exposure to chemicals used in industrial manufacturing processes or to asbestos fibers inhaled during certain types of work.
Melanoma. This is a skin cancer that often appears as a new mole or freckle on your skin that changes over time. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can increase your risk for this type of cancer, but melanoma can also be caused by exposure to arsenic, cadmium, and other substances found at work sites like smelters or battery plants where metals are processed.
5. Breathing problems
If you work in a place where there is a lot of dust, chemicals, or other hazardous materials, you may be at risk of developing an occupational illness. These are conditions that are caused by the nature of your job rather than by specific events like an accident or exposure to an infectious disease. Occupational diseases can be caused by chemicals or biological agents that you breathe in or absorb through your skin.
It’s important to know that the workplace can cause various health problems. Nobody wants to be sick in the workplace. Always make sure your work area is a safe place.
