Occupational history as the key to the recognition and prevention of workplace-related lung disease

Occupational and environmental exposures cause substantial lung disease morbidity and mortality. A detailed exposure history is the key to detecting and treating these largely preventable illnesses and deaths. Components of an exposure history include details of the current and past work histories as well as of nonoccupational exposures. Identification of a sentinel health event requires a public health approach to the follow-up of affected individuals. This approach includes industrial hygiene sampling and monitoring, engineering and administrative controls, institution of proper work practices, education, and medical monitoring.