Discussing workplace exposure to hazardous agents with your doctor 

Workplaces that are dusty or where you are exposed to fumes, gases or other hazardous agents can affect your lung health and overall wellbeing. Where you work matters. Discussing workplace exposure to hazardous agents with your doctor is essential. 

Working in certain industries, such as construction, mining and quarrying, manufacturing and tunnelling, or with certain hazardous agents, such as silica dust, may put you at higher risk of developing an occupational lung disease. An occupational lung disease is a lung condition that has been caused or worsened by exposure to hazardous agents in the work environment.  

Why do I need to talk to my doctor?

Exposure to hazardous agents in the workplace can affect your health by either worsening pre-existing lung conditions, such as work exacerbated asthma, or causing lung conditions. These may include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumoconiosis (asbestosis, silicosis, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis), occupational asthma and lung cancer.  

Hazardous agents, or occupational respiratory hazards, may include*: 

• Dusts: Such as silica dust in stonemasonry, coal dust in mining, or organic dusts, such as flour dust in bakeries or hemp dust on farms 
• Fumes: Such as welding fumes, diesel engine exhaust fumes from trucks or paint fumes (isocyanates) in autobody shops 
• Gases : Such as chlorine or ammonia when working with or performing tasks with cleaning supplies  
• Other agents such as asbestos fibres or allergens such as animal dander.   

*This is not an exhaustive list. More examples can be found on Safe Work Australia’s Hazardous chemicals requiring health monitoring and Occupational Asthma’s Causative agents.

The importance of a conversation

It may be regular, ongoing exposure or a single exposure event that triggers a lung condition. Some conditions may not develop until weeks, months or many years after the exposure. Often exposure to hazardous agents may not cause immediate symptoms. Exposures that you may not consider to be hazardous, such as flour dust which can cause asthma, can be very hazardous.  

If you currently work, or have worked, in any type of job where you have been exposed to hazardous agents, it is important to discuss this with a doctor. This is even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. When your doctor knows this information, they can better monitor your lung health and overall wellbeing.  

Talking to your doctor about your current and former work can take longer than a standard appointment. If possible, request a longer appointment with your doctor. It may also be worth bringing a partner, family member or friend, as they can help you recall information and support you throughout the appointment.  

What do I talk to my doctor about?  

It is also important for your doctor to know about your current and former work history. This includes:   

• Where you work  
• What kind of work you do – describe what a typical day looks like and be as specific as possible.

 If talking about former jobs, include the approximate timeframes you worked there too.  

• Where you work  
• What kind of work you do – describe what a typical day looks like and be as specific as possible. If talking about former jobs, include the approximate timeframes you worked there too  
• Hazardous agents you work with or near – it may be helpful to take the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and/or Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)  
  – The kind of work you perform with the hazardous agent/s or the ways in which you are exposed 
  – How often and for how long you are exposed to the hazardous agents 
• Types of control measures used in your workplace to reduce your risk of exposure. This may include ventilation, wet cutting practices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (such as the type of mask you have been provided), or other measures that relate to your specific industry 
• Involvement in health monitoring – if so, it is helpful to bring any results with you to your doctor’s appointment 
  – Health monitoring involves regular check-ups by a certified doctor to monitor any possible changes in your health due to your exposure to hazardous agents in the workplace. Certain agents, such as silica dust, require your employer to organise and pay for you to undergo health monitoring.        
• Any symptoms you may be experiencing, including:   
  – When your symptoms started 
  – If your symptoms are better when away from work, such as when you are on holidays  
  – If any of your work mates are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with an occupational lung disease  
• Any hobbies you have where you may be exposed to hazardous agents, such as home “DIY” projects or bird keeping 
• Whether you smoke and/or vape or have previously smoked or vaped.  

Take action

Have regular check-ups with your doctor to discuss your workplace exposure, even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Talk to your employer, colleagues, workplace health and safety representative or union about protecting lung health in the workplace.  

To fully understand your exposures at work, your doctor will want to know the same information about all your previous places of employment.  

Download your workplace exposure checklist below to take with you to your doctor’s appointment.