Workplace Exposure

For millions of workers in the construction, maintenance, mining, forestry, transportation, agriculture and automotive industries, the effects of sustained on-the-job exposure to vibration – whether hand-arm or whole-body – may lead to various health problems.

One out of 12 adults have asthma, according to the American Lung Association, and about 11 million workers are exposed to at least one known asthmagen (a substance that causes asthma symptoms) at work.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are “almost everywhere,” according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

Flooding, excess rainwater or damaged plumbing can result in your work facility taking in water. That can lead to mold growth.

Acclimatization is the process your body goes through as it adapts to changes in its environment.

Did you know? Exposure to certain chemicals at work can result in hearing loss.

Knowing which type of respirator to use – and how use it properly – is crucial to protecting chimney sweeps from exposure to airborne hazards, NIOSH says in a fact sheet.

Also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, black lung is a “job-related disease caused by continued exposure to excessive amounts of respirable coal mine dust,” NIOSH says.

“Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of harmful chemicals and particles,” the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries says. “This smoke can make anyone sick, even healthy individuals.”

Workers who are at risk of exposure include poultry and livestock farmers and workers, as well as slaughterhouse workers.