Do You Work in a Career With a Risk of Exposure?

There are many substances that may occur in the workplace that could cause you immense harm. Because of this, there are also laws in place that dictate what you will be able to cover from these incidents. There are many workplaces where toxic exposures could be prominent, but here are some of the most common that you will hear of:

• Miners: Harmful dusts can result from jobs that include mining, drilling, and blasting. One of the most common is silica, which is the most common mineral found in the earth. You could receive an incurable form of lung disease known as silicosis or even lung cancer and COPD.
• Construction Workers: Construction workers are at the same risk of silica exposure as well as an added risk of wood dust exposure. Those who are exposed to this issue may receive nasal and sinus cancer. Chemical fumes could also pose many risks in the construction workplace such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Construction workers have the added risk of being exposed to asbestos, which causes mesothelioma and asbestosis.
• Welders: Molten metal from welding can produce toxic fumes. The Manganese found in welding rods can cause a disease that results in harmful tremors, fatigue, headaches, and body stiffness.
• Farm Workers: If you work around harvested grains and crops, you have a risk of something known as “farmer’s lung.” This can sometimes result from mold spores or bacteria found in crops, which farmers are constantly subjected to.
• Workers Exposed to Nylon Fibers: You may receive something known as “flock worker’s lung” when you are working in areas where nylon is cut into small strands. If you work in these environments, you could develop inflammation and scarring in the lungs.

Being Aware of Toxins in the Workplace 

In some workplaces, it is inevitable that you will be working around chemicals and toxins – but that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer. Always be on the lookout for warning labels and signs in the workplaces that warn of these dangers. There are many steps that your employer can take to protect you from these hazards, such as isolation from the substances, ventilation in the workplace, and using personal protective equipment. Staying safe in the workplace is your best bet for a long, healthy life.