implications on whether a worker can continue in the job, eligibility for compensation programmes and other benefits.
Occupational diseases can be divided into different categories: Biological agents (hepatitis, tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus), chemical agents (lead, asbestos, benzene) and musculoskeletal disorders.
Chemical-Caused Diseases
Chemicals are present in our natural environment, in the food we eat and in many products used in daily life. Many are toxic on contact, persist in the soil or water supply and travel far from their source, contaminating large areas. Exposure to chemicals can occur through occupational exposure during manufacture, use and disposal; consumer exposure to contaminated products; and environmental exposure to toxic waste. Chemicals can affect all parts of the body, including the respiratory (nose, air passages and lungs), digestive system, circulatory system and nervous system. They can cause local effects, such as burns or dermatitis, or systemic effects, such as kidney or brain damage or cancer. They can enter the body via the skin, ingested or inhaled. They can be absorbed by the blood and carried to other parts of the body or excreted in urine, faeces or sweat.
Diseases caused by exposure to chemicals are complex to analyse and measure at population level, and their contribution to global health impacts is difficult to estimate. Those affected can vary in age, gender and ethnicity. Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to specific types of chemicals than others. For example, low income communities of colour are more likely to be situated close to industrial sites that use or release hazardous chemicals. Poor communities also experience greater social stressors which can increase the impact of chemicals on their health.
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A significant fraction of the total disease burden from chemicals is preventable by ensuring that all chemicals are managed in ways that do not adversely affect human health and the environment throughout their life cycle, using transparent and science-based procedures for risk assessment and management. This requires the involvement of all sectors and programmes that handle chemicals, as well as involving workers.
The available information on the health impacts of chemicals is very extensive, and includes deaths, DALYs and injuries from acute poisonings and high-level exposures, as well as more chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and certain neurological disorders. However, only a limited number of chemicals and the associated health effects have been linked with sufficient evidence at population level. This is mainly due to long lag times and the limitations of current test systems for linking exposure to chemicals to the subsequent health outcome.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases, which are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or fungi, can have serious consequences for a person’s health. These diseases can be spread from one person to another by direct contact or indirect contact with infectious agents, such as contaminated food or water or droplets containing microorganisms that are released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes. Indirect contact includes touching an infected person or animal or insect and then inhaling the microorganisms or the toxins they produce, as well as through sexual contact with an infected person.
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The most common occupational disease is respiratory illness, which can be the result of exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. For example, workers who work with asbestos and silica are at risk of developing respiratory conditions such as silicosis, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Vaccines and medicines can help prevent these types of occupational illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for hepatitis B and C, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), rabies, measles, and tuberculosis.
Many workers are exposed to biologically hazardous agents in their jobs, such as live animal tissue and laboratory chemicals. They are at risk for infections, such as hepatitis and AIDS, that are caused by these agents. Workers in healthcare, animal handling, and laboratories are often at the highest risk of these types of diseases.
Occupational diseases can affect an individual’s quality of life and significantly impact their financial future. Those who suffer from an occupational disease may be eligible for compensation from their employer. It is important to speak with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your case and determine if you may be eligible for benefits. The legal team at McElligott & Bell, PC, is available to provide you with experienced and compassionate representation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Durham and Raleigh, and we serve clients throughout North Carolina.
Hearing Loss
A loss of hearing can have a negative impact on an individual or a group of people. It makes it harder to communicate and can lead to depression, stress and inactivity. A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that mild hearing loss doubled a person’s risk for dementia and if it was severe, the risk increased five-fold.
Several types of assistive devices can help improve hearing for those who have permanent or severe loss. Alerting systems that flash or emit a sound can let people know when the doorbell rings, the smoke alarm goes off and babies cry. Special sound systems transmitting infrared or FM radio signals can help people hear in theaters, churches and other noisy environments. Television programs with closed captioning can help people who have trouble understanding speech sounds or reading lips. Lip reading, a technique taught by some hearing professionals, can help people gain control over their listening environment and learn to anticipate difficult communication situations and modify or avoid them.
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The ear is divided into three primary parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer and middle ears help with acoustic input, while the inner ear converts those waves into a signal that is sent to the brain. Hearing loss can affect one or both of these areas and may be categorized as sensorineural, conductive or mixed. Sensorineural loss occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear die or are damaged and conductive loss occurs when there is damage to the conductive pathways of the outer or middle ear.
Hearing loss typically develops over time due to age-related deterioration, exposure to loud noise and genetic predisposition. However, it can also be accelerated by certain medications and a wide variety of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and otosclerosis. Acute injuries to the ear such as head injury, barotrauma (especially from diving), recurrent ear infections and strokes can also precipitate hearing loss. An evaluation should focus on detecting the presence of hearing loss, determining its extent and identifying the etiology of the loss (particularly reversible causes). This information will guide management and treatment.
Skin Disorders
Skin disorders include a wide variety of diseases that affect the outer layer of the skin. They can cause many different symptoms including a rash, itching, blisters or changes in color or texture. They can also impact a person’s mental health, leading to feelings of embarrassment, depression or stress. Some skin diseases are more visible than others, and they can have a serious effect on a person’s quality of life.
Many chemicals are toxic when absorbed through the skin. Some of these chemicals may directly damage organs or trigger an immune response that causes the body to develop a disease. Other chemicals, such as those that contain chlorine or ammonia, can burn the skin. Some of these injuries are called dermatitis, and they can range from itchy rashes to more severe burns that can cause permanent scarring. People who work in industries that use chemicals, such as metal machining and treatment, printing, hairdressing, or food preparation can be more prone to developing these conditions.
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Sometimes a doctor can identify skin conditions by looking at the patient, but other times, a biopsy is necessary. This procedure involves numbing the area, then using a scalpel, razor blade (called a shave biopsy), or round cutter to remove a small piece of skin for examination under a microscope. The biopsy can help to diagnose the condition and determine if it is treatable.
Some skin diseases can be very painful and affect a person’s ability to function, work, or even sleep. These diseases can also lead to a reduced quality of life, and they can affect how people interact with other people. This can lead to social withdrawal and depression, which can be serious.
While some of the physical effects of skin conditions are well documented, few studies have looked at the psychosocial impact on those who suffer from them. In a recent study, researchers found that people who suffered from chronic skin diseases had lower EQ-5D index scores than those without skin problems. They also reported higher levels of loneliness, anxiety and depression. This suggests that there is a need for more emphasis on psychological interventions for people with these conditions.
