Living with a Work-Related Condition Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions Exposure to substances like beryllium, coal dust, asbestos, silica or latex can cause serious health concerns and diseases such as allergies, asthma, COPD, silicosis and bronchiolitis. If you have or are at risk for developing a condition caused by exposure to substances in your work environment, there are steps you can take to stay healthy. Begin by reducing or eliminating your exposure to the substance and participate in regular, industry appropriate screenings. For example, coal miners should have regular lung screenings. In many cases, early detection is key and leads to more effective treatment. If you smoke, quitting will make a big difference in your overall health. Getting regular exercise will also help you maintain respiratory muscle strength. Explain the nature of your work to your doctor and discuss potential hazards that you should be aware of. If you have a work-related lung condition, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen to help you breathe. It is also important to treat respiratory infections quickly, and avoid illnesses like the flu by getting immunized. With some effort, you can prevent or minimize the effects of work-related illness. Featured Stories Living with COPD Allergy Lifestyle Management Living with Sarcoidosis Miners Clinic of Colorado The Miners Clinic of Colorado provides health screening and education for coal, metal, non-metal and aggregate miners, as well as for historic uranium industry workers, through two free screening programs: Black Lung Clinic Program Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP) Clinic Download the Miners Clinic brochure (PDF). Environmental & Occupational Health at National Jewish Health At National Jewish Health, you’ll find: State-of-the-art testing A therapy plan designed for you Programs specific to your work environment, like the Beryllium Program, Black Lung Clinic, Miners Clinic of Colorado and more Resources for your business, including exposure assessment, medical surveillance, respirator fit and more Center of Excellence on Deployment-Related Lung Disease. More Living with a Work-Related Condition Tips Shortness of Breath and Eating Proper Hydration Proper Hydration On The Go with Oxygen Ordering Oxygen Healthy Recipes Living with Chronic Lung Disease COPD: Exercises COPD: Lifestyle Management Avoiding Infections Allergy Lifestyle Management Spirometry Testing Medicine Safety Managing Your Medication Supply Stress & Relaxation Living with COPD 10 Tips for Living Better with COPD 10 Benefits of Staying Hydrated What is Deployment-Related Lung Disease? Understanding Sarcoidosis Tips to Improve Health by Increasing Happiness 10 Tips for Managing COPD Busting Myths about Oxygen Therapy Outdoor Air Pollution Air Pollution & Healthy Homes Sarcoidosis: Lifestyle Management Living with Sarcoidosis COPD: Nutrition Managing Your Environment COPD: Giving Up Smoking Emotional Management How to Cough Up Mucus & Phlegm from Chest Congestion COPD: Life Skills Tutorial COPD: FAQ COPD: Additional Resources You may also be interested in... Living with Chronic Disease Class Managing Your Energy Everyday Class COPD Support Group Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Support Group On the Go With Oxygen Class