Interstitial lung disease (ILD) secondary to environmental exposures occurs when inhaling environmental toxins — such as chemicals or irritants found in the workplace — causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. ILD secondary to environmental exposures, also known as occupational ILD, encompasses a wide range of disorders that affect the airways and air sacs of the lungs (alveoli).
Across the UPMC network, we provide advanced care for individuals with ILD resulting from exposure to environmental toxins. UPMC experts provide the highest-quality care, education, and support for people with interstitial lung diseases and their families.
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What Is ILD Secondary to Environmental Exposures?
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) secondary to environmental exposures occurs when inhaling environmental toxins — such as chemicals or irritants found in the workplace — causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. ILD secondary to environmental exposures, also known as occupational ILD, encompasses a wide range of disorders that affect the airways and air sacs of the lungs (alveoli).
What are the types of ILD secondary to environmental exposures?
Common environmental lung diseases include:
- Asbestosis — Caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
- Pneumoconiosis — Caused by inhaling dust from minerals such as coal, silica, cotton, or asbestos. When caused by inhaling coal dust, the condition is known as “black lung.”
- Silicosis — Caused by inhaling silica dust and occurs in people who work in mines, quarries, sandblasting, or glass-making.
How common is ILD Secondary to Environmental Exposures?
ILD is most common among workers who are exposed to mold, animal proteins, air pollutants, asbestos, and mineral or metal dust at their jobs. These may include people who work in:
- Automotive or truck maintenance.
- Construction.
- Farming.
- Glass fabrication.
- Metal fabrication.
- Mining.
- Quarrying.
- Sandblasting.
- Welding.
It can also occur in people who are exposed to chemicals such as pool chlorine, bleach, cleaning solvents, and more.
What causes ILD Secondary to Environmental Exposures?
Environmental ILD is caused by inhaling irritants that damage the lungs. The irritants cause inflammation and scarring, which leads to a chronic cough, nasal irritation, and asthma symptoms.
Environmental ILD risk factors
You may be at higher risk of developing environmental ILD if you have a job where you are exposed to chemicals, mold, animal proteins, air pollutants, asbestos, and mineral or metal dust.
Complications of ILD secondary to environmental exposures
Long-term exposure to environmental lung irritants may cause complications including:
- Asthma.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma.
- Scarring in the lungs.
How can I prevent ILD secondary to environmental exposure?
You can reduce your risk of ILD secondary to environmental exposure by avoiding exposure to chemicals, mold, animal proteins, air pollutants, asbestos, and mineral or metal dust.
If your job requires you to be exposed to these irritants, you should take safety precautions, such as wearing a mask and following safe-handling procedures for hazardous substances.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of ILD Secondary to Environmental Exposure?
Early symptoms of ILD secondary to environmental exposure may include chronic cough and nasal irritation. As lung inflammation worsens, symptoms may include:
- Asthma.
- Chronic bronchitis.
When should I see a doctor about my ILD secondary to environmental exposures symptoms?
If you have symptoms of ILD, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible — especially if you have known exposures related to your job or hobbies.
If you are having severe asthma symptoms or shortness of breath, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
How Do You Diagnose ILD Secondary to Environmental Exposures?
To diagnose ILD secondary to environmental exposures, your doctor will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may order tests and procedures to rule out other health conditions and help make a diagnosis.
What to expect during your visit
During your visit, your doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Evaluate your medical history.
- Order tests.
- Perform a physical exam.
Tests to diagnose ILD secondary to environmental exposure
Tests used to confirm a diagnosis of ILD include:
- Blood tests — Checks for signs of infection or other problems.
- Chest CT scan — A test that uses a series of x-rays to create images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
- Echocardiogram — A test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of your heart.
- Pulmonary function tests — Check to see how well your lungs are working.
Lung biopsy using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
In selected patients, lung biopsy using video-assisted thoracic surgery must be done to confirm the diagnosis of occupational lung disease.
During the VATS procedure, a lung surgeon will take a sample of lung tissue and send it to the lab for analysis. A pathologist will check the tissue sample for signs of ILD and other conditions, such as cancer.
ILD secondary to environmental exposure prognosis
The prognosis of ILD secondary to environmental exposure depends on the type, severity, and extent of the damage. Your doctor will discuss your prognosis with you.
How Do You Treat ILD Secondary to Environmental Exposures?
The goal of ILD treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent progression of the disease, and improve quality of life.
There are no approved drug therapies for people with ILD secondary to environmental exposures, but some patients may benefit from:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation — A specialized program that improves lung function and exercise tolerance in people with ILD and other chronic lung diseases.
- Oxygen administration — Provides supplemental oxygen.
- Participating in a support group — Allows people with ILD and their loved ones to share experiences and advice.
- Monitoring for acute flare-ups — Routine follow-up care to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Referral for lung transplantation
UPMC is a world leader in lung transplantation. If necessary, our ILD experts will refer you for our lung transplantation services for evaluation for a single- or double-lung transplant.
Clinical trials
Participation in clinical research is one of the major benefits of referral to large, specialized centers for the treatment of environmental and occupational lung diseases such as UPMC.
Although there are currently no proven effective medications for most occupational lung diseases, novel drugs are being tested continuously. Participating in research studies directly contributes to finding a cure for these conditions.
Why Choose UPMC for ILD Secondary to Environmental Exposure Care?
When you choose UPMC for ILD secondary to environmental exposure care, you will receive:
- Access to board-certified specialists — Our multidisciplinary team of experts provides leading-edge care and ongoing management for adults with occupational or environmental ILD.
- Expert diagnosis and personalized care — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
- A full range of treatment options — We use the latest therapies and approaches to provide comprehensive care, including access to promising clinical trials that study new treatment options.
