**Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Awareness Week**
From April 24 to May 1, it is recognized as the "Professional Disease Prevention and Propagation Week." According to data from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Health, in 2013, the province reported 5 new cases of acute and chronic occupational diseases out of a total of 438. Among these, 424 were cases of pneumoconiosis, accounting for 96.8% of all cases. Pneumoconiosis remains the most common occupational disease in the region. The top five affected areas were Zhaotong, Qujing, Chuxiong, Kunming, and Yuxi, with the majority occurring in coal and non-ferrous metal industries. Acute poisoning has the highest mortality rate among all occupational diseases.
In China, statutory occupational diseases are categorized into ten major groups, including pneumoconiosis, occupational radiation diseases, occupational poisoning, diseases caused by physical factors, biological agents, skin conditions, eye diseases, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disorders, occupational tumors, and more. These cover a total of 132 types.
Yunnan Province sees the highest incidence of silicosis and coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. Occupational poisoning commonly involves lead, arsenic, mercury, manganese, and their compounds, as well as gases like arsine, phosphine, and carbon monoxide. Noise-related ENT diseases are also present, though less frequent.
**Pneumoconiosis – Class 1 Occupational Disease**
Pneumoconiosis is a systemic condition caused by prolonged inhalation of dust particles during work, leading to lung fibrosis. Symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, hemoptysis, fatigue, and even severe loss of work capacity. It commonly affects workers in high-dust environments such as coal mines or cement plants. According to GBZ70-2007, pneumoconiosis is classified into three stages: simple, complicated, and advanced.
**Prevention of Dust Hazards**
To reduce risks, employers should improve workplace conditions, lower dust levels, and provide protective masks. Early detection and treatment are crucial, along with preventing related illnesses like tuberculosis and bronchitis. Workers must wear properly fitted masks, avoid using them in low-oxygen or toxic environments, and replace filters regularly.
**Occupational Poisoning – Class 2**
This category includes exposure to industrial toxins that cause health issues. Common types are metal poisoning, non-metal poisoning, and organic chemical poisoning. Examples include arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, and lead poisoning. Prevention involves improving engineering controls, monitoring air quality, and ensuring proper personal protection equipment (PPE) use.
**Lead Poisoning – Common Occupations**
Workers in printing, battery manufacturing, shipbuilding, welding, and mining are at higher risk. Symptoms include weakness, metallic taste, muscle pain, and digestive issues. Severe cases may lead to abdominal cramps, anemia, and hypertension.
**Arsenic Poisoning – Industrial Risks**
Acute arsenic poisoning occurs after inhaling high concentrations of arsine gas, often found in metallurgical processes. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, jaundice, dark urine, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
**Occupational ENT Diseases – Class 3**
Noise-induced hearing loss is the main issue in Yunnan. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage hearing and affect other systems, causing dizziness, insomnia, and memory problems. Preventive measures include using ear protection and regular hearing checks.
**Misunderstandings About Occupational Diseases**
Many workers and employers lack awareness, which hinders rights protection. There is a shortage of qualified occupational doctors, and mandatory health checks are not widely followed in China. Regular occupational health exams are essential, especially for those working in hazardous environments.
**Final Note**
Occupational health checks differ from general medical exams. They are tailored to specific job hazards. Employers should ensure compliance with safety regulations, conduct regular screenings, and maintain accurate health records. It is recommended that large companies partner with designated hospitals for consistent and reliable occupational health management.
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