Occupational lung disease- Challenges and opportunities for the 21^st century

Mohammed Ranavaya

Marshall University, USA

Keynote: J Pulm Respir Med

Abstract :

Despite the scientific and technical innovations of the 21st century, occupational and environmental lung disease continue to be a major challenge for physicians all over the world. While occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos, silica and coal dust have decreased leading some clinicians to think of the occupational and environmental lung disease as �??diseases of the bygone era�?� these classic occupational lung diseases remain very much a problem and the emerging new lung disease manifestations from the work and environment provide opportunities for research, prevention and intervention.

The overall burden of all current lung disease related to occupational or environmental exposure is not well estimated despite its significant global burden. This is so because the lungs are the major interface between environment and the body. With every breath, particles, fibers and gases most of them relatively harmless but others with a potential to cause acute or chronic lung disease exists. The injurious inhalants and their associated health outcomes continue to be present in many workplaces despite legally mandated surveillance programs and preventative strategies.

The primary focus of this presentation is to examine the changing features of the occupational lung disease. While in modern research the primary focus on mineral dust is being replaced by organic dust and chemicals, unresolved issues remain regarding aspects of various occupational and environmental lung diseases creating both the challenges and opportunities for a clinician in the 21st century.

Biography :

Mohammed Ranavaya is a Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia and currently serves as the Director of the Appalachian Institute of Occupational & Environmental Medicine in West Virginia. He is a consulting physician and American board certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Prof. Ranavaya is also trained in Law and earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from School of Law in Virginia.

E-mail: mranavayamd@abime.org