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The most common respiratory disease is lung cancer, which includes emphysema. It can be triggered by asthma.

Chronic Bronchitis and asthma are other forms of respiratory disease.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) encompasses bronchitis and emphysema. It can be caused by occupational exposure to noxious gases, dust, and fumes.

30 000 people are estimated to die each year in the UK as a result of COPD. Of these, 15% of cases are thought to be work-related.

Large-scale population studies indicate main occupational causes include crystalline silica, glass fibre, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and metal fumes. Occupations most at risk include construction; mining; textiles; and rubber; leather; plastics and synthetics manufacture.

Crystalline silica is also a cause of COPD, and lung cancer. Since 1993, a handful of cases per year receive compensation for lung cancer attributed to silica under the Industrial Injuries Scheme. In 1999, 7 workers received compensation.

In 2002, 148 workers were compensated for silicosis under the Industrial Injuries Scheme. Of these, 30% of cases were in workers 65 years old. There has been no decline
in cases of silicosis in the last 15 years.

For more information about silicosis you can visit our silicosis area.

Mesothilioma and asbestosis which are caused by exposure to asbestos are other kinds of respiratory disease. For more detailed information about these, and other asbestos related cancers, please visit the asbestos area of our site.

If you are employed or have formerly been employed in an environment where you have been exposed to noxious gases, dust or fumes you might be entitled to compensation. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, asthma or lung cancer the specialist respiratory disease legal team may be able to help you with a claim for compensation.