Occupational Diseases Caused by Exposure to Chemical Factors

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Occupational diseases caused by exposure to chemical factors

Under production conditions, workers’ bodies can be exposed to various chemicals, causing occupational diseases.

Chemicals enter the body through the respiratory tract, skin, and gastrointestinal tract and have a toxic effect on various organs and systems. Depending on the type of chemical substance and the organs predominantly affected by it, the following groups of occupational diseases are distinguished:

1. Respiratory diseases caused by exposure to irritating substances (chlorine, sulfur compounds, nitrogen, fluorine, etc.). Manifest in the form of acute and chronic toxic laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, edema and pneumonia.

2. Diseases of the nervous system due to exposure to neurotropic substances (mercury, manganese, arsenic, tetraethyl lead, etc.). Manifested by encephalopathy, polyneuropathy, vegetative-vascular disorders.

3. Blood diseases due to the action of hematotoxicant poisons (benzene, benzene chloride derivatives, ionizing radiation). Manifested by hypoplastic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.

4. Liver diseases caused by exposure to hepatotropic poisons (carbon tetrachloride, organochlorine pesticides, heavy metal compounds). Manifest in the form of acute and chronic toxic hepatitis.

5. Kidney diseases due to exposure to nephrotoxic substances (mercury, lead, cadmium, organic solvents). Manifested by acute renal failure, chronic glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis.

Diagnosis of occupational intoxication is based on occupational history, clinical picture and laboratory results.

Treatment is aimed at eliminating contact with a toxic substance, detoxification, pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. Prevention is important - compliance with safety regulations, use of personal protective equipment, medical examinations.