Prevention of occupational respiratory diseases

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to describe the prevention of occupational respiratory diseases and to make lung specialists aware of their role in preventing these conditions. Background We present briefly the basic points concerning the technical methods for prevention of occupational respiratory diseases. Occurrence of such diseases can be avoided only by effective prevention techniques. Some of the tools described can provide physicians with valuable information for the management of their patients. The physician's role in this preventative approach is discussed in relation to the different stages of the socio-occupational life of the patients. The actions to be taken vary, depending on whether the patient is under vocational guidance, working or retired. We introduce a number of prevention professionals able to assist the lung specialist in his advisory role, along with several document- and regulation-based tools suited to implementing the prevention of occupational respiratory diseases. Conclusion Greater knowledge of the different professionals involved and promotion of more active working cooperation between all specialists should ensure more effective screening and care of people suffering from the harmful effects of these diseases.