All respiratory diseases of the lungs, generated by prolonged exposure to and inhalation of air pollutants, are classified as pneumoconiosis. All those affecting the bronchial mucous membranes are termed bronchopathies. Various occupational agents, on the other hand, are associated with lung cancer. The main ones are asbestos fibres, nickel compounds, arsenic, diesel exhaust and radon gas.

In general, diseases with a shorter latency period, such as allergic diseases, prevail among younger people: asthma and rhinitis in the 16-29 age group account for 58.3% and 33.3% of respiratory diseases, respectively. Pneumoconiosis, on the other hand, occurs almost exclusively in the older age groups; asbestosis in the 60+ age group accounts for 37.9% of respiratory diseases and silicosis in the 50-59 age group for 21.9%. In fact, the control of silica dust in workplaces and the banning of asbestos have led to a decline in these diseases, which nevertheless continue to be found in people who have been exposed in the past.

Specific safety measures for the respiratory tract should therefore be evaluated and risk assessment should take into account the emergence of new risk situations. For example, in recent years, cases of silicosis, even with a short latency onset (acute silicosis), have been reported in the literature. Experience suggests the usefulness of dust suppression and wet processing, in addition to the systematic use of PPE appropriate to the level of risk (FFP3 masks).