Respiratory Disease Statistics

Understanding industry statistics is the first step to identifying the necessary changes

In Ireland, respiratory disease causes one in five deaths and costs Northern Ireland over £250 million¹. Death rates from respiratory disease are almost twice the EU average with lung cancer still named as the biggest cancer killer in Ireland².

When control measures in the workplace are not in place, regular exposure to hazardous substances can lead to a range of respiratory diseases. As a result of breathing in dusts, mists, fumes, gases or vapours, these diseases can be life altering or even life threatening depending on the type of contaminant inhaled, the length of time and severity of exposure.

Most respiratory diseases are long latency, meaning they start to develop years after the workplace exposure that caused or contributed to them, with only small volumes needed to cause major damage, especially when it comes to silica dust. Therefore, it's essential to understand the effects this type of exposure can cause and the importance of protecting against it in the workplace as much as possible.

Industry Related Respiratory Illnesses

Life-changing respiratory illnesses are caused, or developed over time, by breathing in hazardous substances that damage the lungs, within the workplace. Prior to Covid-19, harmful substances or environments was ranked the sixth cause of work-related injuries and illnesses involving days away from work.

Every year approximately 12,000 workers die from lung diseases linked to past exposure at work³ and an estimated 19,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems each year are reported to be caused or made worse by work⁴. Since workplace exposure to asbestos has reduced from the 1950-1980 era, more common respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and silicosis are affecting workers from hazardous substances within the construction industry.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the fourth leading cause of death throughout the world. Caused by breathing in certain dusts, fumes or gases, 15% of COPD cases are developed or made worse by work⁶.

COPD is a slow developing condition and long-term illness, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that makes it difficult to breathe. Accounting for 34% of occupational respiratory disease deaths each year⁵, the main substance for exposure includes construction dusts such as wood, silica and mineral, grain and flour dusts, welding fumes and cadmium.

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Asthmas in the Workplace

Asthma is a common lung condition and while a minor nuisance for some, around 146,000 adults in Northern Ireland are currently receiving treatment⁵. When exposed to substances at work, breathing in harmful dusts, gases and fumes can irritate the airways of individuals. Those without asthma can develop the condition or for those with pre-existing asthma can make it worse - this is known as work-related asthma.

Occupational asthma is an allergic reaction that can occur when exposed to substances such as flour or wood dust. These substances known as respiratory sensitisers can cause a change in people's airways, known as the 'hypersensitive state'. Once the lungs have become hypersensitive, further exposure to the substance can trigger an asthma attack.

In Ireland chest physicians frequently reported cases of asthma, predominantly of males their late fifties who had worked in industries such as construction and manufacturing and had frequently worked closely with materials such as cement, plaster, masonry du6t⁶.

Silicosis

Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) over a long period and can take up to ten years between the exposure and onset of the disease. Workers with silicosis are at an increased risk of tuberculosis, kidney disease and arthritis and is one of the major causes of occupational cancer and COPD. Found in stone, rock, sand and clay, RCS is inhaled by workers participating in tasks that include sandblasting, mining, rock drilling, brick cutting, glass manufacturing, stone working, ceramic manufacturing and construction activities. The HSE commissioned estimates that exposure to RCS was responsible for the death of over 500 construction workers in 2005⁸.

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Hazards

The first step to reducing the risk is to understand the different forms of hazardous substances and how workers are exposed. The respiratory system provides the quickest and most direct route for occupational exposure to hazardous substances.

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Managing Risks

It’s important for employers to first consider how hazardous substances can be prevented, reduced or controlled. Our joined-up approach starts with consultancy and expert advice to prevent, reduce or manage the risks across the hierarchy of control.

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Recommended Products

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Sundstrom SR700 Powered Resp Starter Kit

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3M™ 6000 Series Full Face Mask Respirators

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Sundstrom SR510 P3 Ptcle Filter H02-1312

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3M™ Secure Click™ Reusable Half Mask with speech diaphragm

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3M™ Secure Click™ Particulate Filters D3135 - P3R Pack Size Single

Code:126500

€16.96

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Sources and Useful References

1: Respiratory Health of the Nation: 2018
2: Ireland Needs Health Airways and Lungs - the Evidence: INHALE Report
3: HSE - Respiratory Diseases
4: Occupational Lung Disease statistics in Great Britain, 2021
5: Asthma & Lung UK: Northern Ireland
6: ROI THOR 2019 Annual Report
7: HSE - Occupational cancer burden research
Overview of the Burden of Respiratory Disease in Ireland

All Expert Advice

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Respiratory Disease Statistics

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Industry Related Respiratory Illnesses

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Asthmas in the Workplace

Silicosis

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Hazards

Managing Risks

Recommended Products

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