Labor Day is often recognized as an end of summer celebration that involves enjoying barbeques, sitting poolside and taking last minute vacations. But the real reason for the day is to remind us of the many contributions and achievements of U.S. workers. When we reflect on the history of workers’ rights and conditions in the United States, it is important to remember that at one-point, certain work environments were unsafe and offered little to no indoor ventilation or proper sanitation. Though much has changed since the 1800s, millions of workers in the United States are still exposed to work environments that affect their lung health.
To better understand how the workplace can affect lung health and the role of an occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) specialist, we sat down with Miranda Guerriero, DO, and Dalia Nessim, MD, MPH. Dr. Guerriero is an OEM Resident at the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine and Dr. Nessim serves as the Division Chief of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in the Department of Preventive, Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University.
How can your work affect your lung health?
Certain jobs and industries, like painters, dry cleaning, mining, farming, welding, cosmetology, construction and manufacturing, may expose workers to particulates, chemicals, vapors, gases and fumes that can affect lung health. While most work-related lung diseases are caused by repeated exposures that take place over time, short-term exposure may also cause damage to your lungs.
Some of the more common work-related lung diseases include:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pneumoconiosis (pulmonary fibrosis), such as silicosis or black lung disease
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Lung cancer
- Infectious lung diseases like the work-acquired TB
If you suspect that your breathing related symptoms are caused by exposure in the workplace, a referral to an OEM specialist may be the next step.
When should someone see an OEM specialist?
According to Dr. Nessim, “you should consider seeing a specialist, if you are having difficulty breathing, coughing or noticed a change in your voice, especially when your symptoms seem to be work-related or change when you leave your work environment.”
In Dr. Guerriero’s clinic, she shared the most common exposures:
- Chemical irritants such as cleaning products
- Long term exposure to dusts, such as silica and asbestos
- Allergens, such as molds and chemicals
- Infectious diseases
The OEM specialist will review your work history, medical conditions, results from medical tests and details about using personal protective equipment, such as a respirator. The information provided can help identify if your symptoms are caused by your work environment. Dr. Nessim explains that the most vital information you can share at your appointment includes:
- Your work history, including your work tasks and exposures
- A timeline of when the symptoms began and how often they occur
- Any exposures you had prior to and when your symptoms started, such as chemicals or saw dust
- Changes in the work environment around the time that symptoms started, such as a new facility or new products
- A copy of your work description or ask your employer to provide it to the physician’s office prior to your visit
What recommendations do you give to help reduce your patients’ risk of exposure at work?
“Specific recommendations depend on the type of exposure,” says Dr. Guerriero. She explains that her clinic may see a welder, stonemason or painter who experiences difficulty breathing within a few weeks of starting a job or working with a new material. The physician may recommend:
- Steps to avoid exposure
- A pulmonary or lung function test or blood tests to assess for an allergic response
- Medication, and follow up testing or seeing a specialist such as a pulmonologist or lung doctor
An OEM specialist will also communicate with the employer and the employee to determine the most appropriate strategy to keep the worker safe. This may include ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations for wearing personal protective equipment.
How can you find an OEM specialist?
You can get a referral from your primary care provider, employer or contact your insurance carrier. You can also find a list of occupational and environmental health clinics at the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics.
Dr. Guerriero says, “if you are experiencing breathing related symptoms at work, the first step is to talk to your healthcare provider and report any symptoms or concerns to your employer.”
Blog last updated: September 3, 2026
