Medical and Legal Questions in Occupational Airway Disorders

Occupational airway disorders (OAD) is a condition of the airways of the lungs caused by the inhalation of a dust, vapor, or gas that originates from a substance or material that a worker manufactures or uses directly, or which is incidentally present at the worksite. There may be widespread narrowing of the airways, with slowing of forced expiration, which vary in severity and duration depending upon the intensity of the exposure and the promptness and appropriateness of therapy.1 Depending on the pathologic and physiologic changes occurring, there may be one or more of the following symptoms present: recurrent or chronic cough with or without phlegm production; intermittent wheezing in the chest; exertional shortness of breath; and a feeling of chest tightness. Occupational airways disorder may resolve spontaneously once the exposure is terminated (or with therapy), or may progress to an irreversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.