Environmental lung disease is the result of inhaling dust, allergens, chemicals, gases, and environmental pollutants. The lungs are constantly exposed to external environmental agents and are susceptible to environmental diseases. Pathological processes that can affect any component of the lung, including the respiratory tract, e.g. occupational asthma, reactive airway dysfunction syndrome, or toxic inhalation), approx. interstitial (eg, pneumonitis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis) and pleural (eg, asbestos-related disease).

Exposure to inhaled environmental factors has long been known to be a risk factor for asthma (see Occupational Asthma) and is increasingly recognized as a non-tobacco cause of COPD (see chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). The American Thoracic Association estimates the percentage of COPD patients with occupational and environmental exposure to be about 20% (i.e., COPD morbidity and mortality would be reduced by approximately 20% if environmental exposures were not present). field drops to zero).

Clinicians should ask about the occupational and environmental history of all patients, asking specifically about exposure to heat, gases, dust, fumes, and/or biological fumes (ie, from combustion) firewood, animal waste, crops). Any positive answers are followed by more detailed questions.

Occupational and environmental lung disease prevention focuses on reducing exposure (primary prevention). Exposure can be limited by:

-Management controls (eg, limiting exposure to hazardous conditions)
-Engineering controls (e.g. protective gear, ventilation systems, safe cleaning procedures)
-Product substitution (e.g. using safer, less toxic ingredients)
-Respiratory protective equipment (eg, respirator, dust mask, gas mask)