The impact of occupational factors on the progressive course of interstitial lung diseases

Epidemiological studies show the detection rates of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) among individuals working in contact with dust and industrial aerosols. The authors suggest that exposure to fibrogenic dust and toxic aerosols in the workplace contributes to the development of other progressive ILD in addition to pneumoconiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of occupational aerosol exposure on the risk of development and course of ILDs. Methods. 32 patients with diagnosed ILDs were followed for 3 – 5 years. 20 people worked in contact with dust and toxic aerosols for 8 to 30 years. The comparison group consisted of 12 patients with ILD who had no harmful occupational factors. ILD diagnoses were established in accordance with clinical guidelines (in some cases with histology). All patients underwent clinical-functional, laboratory, and radiological examinations. Comparative analysis was conducted using statistical processing of the data. The difference in indicators was considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results. Progressive course of ILD in the first 1.5 – 3 years, together with patient disability, was noted in 14 (70%) individuals working with silica-containing, metallic, and organic dust. Negative dynamics of clinical and functional indicators and chest CT data were revealed after a year of observation with gradual worsening of the disease course by the 3rd year of examination. In the comparison group, significant negative changes in the course of ILD were absent for 5 years. Conclusion. The results showed the negative impact of industrial dust on the course of ILD and its potentially significant role in the development of diseases.

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