Occupationally induced airways obstruction

Exposure to a variety of inorganic dusts, organic dusts, and gases and fumes may result in chronic bronchitis as well as decrements in FEV(1) independent of cigarette smoking. The average effect of exposure on FEV(1) is usually less than the effect of cigarette smoking, with the joint effects usually additive. This article provides an overview of the occupations at risk and the exposures responsible through a review of industry-specific and population-based studies. The mechanism of the effects of such occupational exposure on lung function requires additional study, but existing pathology studies suggest that some mineral dust exposures lead to small airways disease and an excess of emphysema.