Occupationally- Related Disease

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that causes fibers from the asbestos, this causes shortness of breath and may not appear until years after initial exposure and may appear up to 10-40 years after. This chemical was used in the past in floor tiles, cement and some insulation for buildings. Besides shortness of breath, individuals may experience loss of appetite and weight loss, tails in both toes and fingertips may appear rounder and wider than normal. In the united states, the federal law requires employers in high-risk industries take special safety measures. Since many homes built before the 1970’s have this material in pipes and floor, it does not become a concern until asbestos fibers are released into the air as long as they are enclosed and undisturbed they cause no harm. 

OSHA currently has 3 standards for workers protection depending on the type of workplace; general industry, shipyards, and construction. There are also protections that exist in the standards such as permissible exposure limit, assessment, and monitoring to name a few.