Occupational lung diseases of chemical

Chemical manufacturing creates products by transforming organic and inorganic raw materials with chemical processes. Chemicals generally are classified into two groups: commodity chemicals and specialty chemicals. In recent decades, important changes in the industrial structure of Nigeria have altered the profile of occupational exposures to respiratory hazards through the exposure of chemical manufacturing firms and therefore spread the burden of occupational respiratory diseases. In addition, the Nigerian workforce has changed: it has become older, reflecting ageing of the general population, and more "vulnerable" because of the increased prevalence of individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, both entering and remaining in the workforce, and of low-socioeconomic-status migrant workers. Finally, the leading preventive role of governmental organizations via legislative regulation and surveillance has progressively diminished in favour of an increased emphasis on the responsibility of both employers and employees.

Autorentext

Prof. Innime Righteous ist Professor für Arbeitshygiene und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit an der Highstone Global University Tx USA.