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Nearly 23,000 workers suffering from diseases associated with lung in 2008, as estimated by the Department of Labor in the United States. Chronic, more than 16,000 people die from the disease each year, as quoted from the Health. But most types of lung disease from the workplace can be prevented, says Philip Harber, MD, Professor Division Head Occupational and Environmental Medicine at UCLA. "The steps are simple but real control can reduce risk exposure and disease," he said. Here are 10 professions that may pose a risk to the health of your lungs.

10 Most Dangerous Jobs For Your Lungs

1. Construction
Workers who inhale dust in the demolition or renovation of a high risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis; disease that causes scarring and stiffness of the lungs. "We're concerned about workers who already work from 20 to 30 years ago," said Dr. Harber. That time is when many products containing asbestos is not banned. Wearing protective clothing, including respirators, when working around old buildings and avoiding smoking can help prevent serious diseases.

2. Food factory
Food factory workers can be exposed to dust, chemicals, gases, and draws them on risks CPOD disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or prolonged shortness of breath. In food crops, substance diacetyl, a flavoring ingredient that is used in popcorn, some wine, and prepared foods, can cause devastating disease and is sometimes called bronchiolitis obliterans lethal, close relatives of COPD.

3. Health
An estimated 8% to 12 health workers sensitive to the gunpowder residue found in latex gloves, which can cause severe asthmatic reactions. "Even when used in the same room, a bit of latex exposure in the air and people become allergic to it," said Dr. Harber. But for the doctors and nurses, do not use protective gloves is not an option. Some private hospitals have switched to synthetic-free latex gloves.

4. Textiles
Byssinosis, also called brown lung disease, commonly found among the textile workers who make seats, towels, socks, bed linens, and clothing. Workers can inhale the particles released from cotton or other materials. "When the cotton broke out, he spread a large amount of dust and air can cause significant disruption," said Dr. Harber. Smoking increases the risk of the disease, so reducing smoking, wear masks and increase ventilation in the work environment.

5. Bartender
Creating a drink in a smoky room, making a bartender at high risk for lung disease, particularly if they are regularly to secondhand smoke for years. Currently, many states prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars. According to Dr. Harber, studies show that respiratory health among bartenders in cities with smoking bans have dramatically increased. If you work in a city that still allows smoking in bars, a good ventilation system may be helpful.

6. Bread & Cake Factory
Baking of bread or cake accelerate the risk of asthma, an estimated 15% of cases of asthma in adults obtained from this work. "Workers exposed to flour dust at high risk of sensitive and allergic," Dr. Harber said. An asthmatic reaction of the enzyme that is used to transform the dough, as well as allergies warehouse full of small insects such as beetles and moths are the trigger. Good ventilation and use of protective masks can help prevent disease in a bakery or pastry.

7. Automotive Industry
Asthma is a risk for those who do the painting cars. Isocyanate and polyurethane products, can irritate the skin, making allergies, and cause tightness in the chest and severe difficulty breathing. "The small amount of isocyanate can trigger an asthma attack once you get used to breathe it," said Dr. Harber. How to prevent it? Respirator, gloves, goggles, and good ventilation can help.

8. Transportation
Lorry drivers, or those who dismantle and unloading merchandise at the dock, until the train drivers CPOD fire risk. Diesel exhaust is the biggest factor. A study in 2004 found an association between high rates of death from lung cancer among railroad workers in the United States after the industry switched from using coal to diesel engines in the 1950s. Avoid direct exposure to the air are exposed to diesel engine exhaust and wear protective masks to help reduce the risk of lung disease.

9. Mining
Miners are at high risk for a number of lung diseases, including CPOD, due to exposure to dust, said Dr. Harber said. Air Silica, also known as quartz, can cause silicosis, a disease that scars the lungs. Coal miners are also at risk of developing other types of disease of lung scarring called pneumoconiosis (black lung). Exposure to coal dust for years was the source. Do not smoke and use a dust mask may help.

10. Fire brigade
The firemen used to inhale smoke and various chemicals that may exist in a burning building. Although respiratory equipment is better able to protect. They do not always wear it while on duty in an emergency, especially when the officer through the debris to ensure that the fire does not turn back. Exposure to toxic materials and asbestos is the biggest risk. The solution, the International Association of Firefighters recommends wearing respiratory protective equipment at all stages of fire suppression.