Industrial bronchitis, the occupational disease that affects the respiratory tract

There are some occupations in which, due to a lack of risk prevention in the workplace and a lack of use of the Personal protective equipment in the long term, they lead to different health problems, as is the case with industrial bronchitis, a condition affecting the respiratory tract that is directly related to inhalation of gases, dusts, fumes and vapors.

The industrial bronchitis, also called chronic bronchitis, can occur in different areas and sectors, such as the agricultural and livestock sectors (for organic powders such as the treatment of cotton or grain of cereal), in gold mining, in iron and steel foundries, in the textile industry and for painters of sheet metal and paint workshops, as well as for those engaged in cabinetry or signage. Working with paint guns also exposes them to fumes, gases and chemicals.

Any worker who is exposed to substances such as coal, latex, asbestos, cotton, metals or talc can develop chronic bronchitis.

The first symptoms that the worker may notice are a cough with mucus, sometimes with some traces of blood, as well as difficulty breathing and even fever if there is a bacterial infection.

When the degree of the disease is more advanced, there may be inflammation in the feet, ankles and legs, as well as a bluish-green lip color that is caused by low oxygen levels in the blood.

Once a worker begins to notice the first symptoms, the company must take immediate action by seeking ventilation of the work environment and providing Personal protective equipment which are necessary for the safety of their workers.

Protection against industrial bronchitis

In all work environments where there is a possibility of industrial bronchitis in order to ensure that workers are not exposed to hazardous substances, different measures must be taken, such as the use of preventive measures to control emissions of dust, gases or vapours in the premises, maintaining adequate ventilation and ensuring that workers make use of safety equipment other, not further worked than hot-rolled total and breathing filters the european parliament masks, in this way we are trying to protect each worker from inhaling these elements which can be very harmful to his health.